IMPORTANT NEWS...
State Licensing Agency Upgrades Hotel and Restaurant Application Process
- Applications now available online for majority of license types -
August 23, 2011
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) today announced an upgrade to its license application process, enabling the majority of applications for food service and lodging establishments to be completed online. The upgrade will have a significant impact on the length of time needed to process applications, allowing online applicants to bypass several components of the paper application system.
"Making the application process easier for licensees and potential licensees will help us keep Florida businesses strong," said DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson. "The industry asked us to improve this procedure, and I'm pleased our technological upgrades have made this new system possible."
Applicants for a number of license types will now be able to complete the entire transaction, including document submission and payments, online. DBPR staff will be able to receive the entire application immediately, and applicants will receive instant email verification of their application once the transaction has been successfully completed.
"On behalf of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, I want to congratulate Secretary Ken Lawson and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation for their tireless efforts in making the online application process a reality for our restaurateurs and hoteliers," said FRLA President/CEO Carol Dover. "Tourism and hospitality is Florida's number one job creating industry and we are proud to have worked with DBPR in making recommendations for this streamlined process. This is yet another example of removing burdensome paperwork that will have a positive impact in putting people back to work."
Applicants may apply online for all food service, hotel, motel, apartment and rooming house licenses. The Department is also offering a complete option for online plan review submittal, including the application, fees and all supporting documents.
The Department plans to continue upgrading the applications process and will add applications for elevator- and escalator-related licenses in the future, as well as applications for licensed vacation rentals. Applicants for the various licenses can also still apply via paper applications, available online at www.myfloridalicense.com.