IMPORTANT NEWS...

Department of Business and Professional Regulation Provides Electronic Plan Review for Restaurant License Applicants

More than 500 McDonald's McCafes Approved for Business

July 6, 2009

TALLAHASSEE—Part of providing excellent customer service requires keeping pace with technological advances.  Thanks to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants, restaurant license applicants can now electronically submit their plans for immediate feedback and approval.  McDonald’s was the first company to participate in the pilot program in February for electronic review and approval of more than 500 McCafé store additions.  In addition to McDonald’s, Beef O’Brady’s, Morning Star Café, Roxy Cinema Grill 10, Whales Tail, and the American Graffiti Restaurant have all used this expedited service. 

“This electronic plan review process is a perfect example of how changes at DBPR can support Florida’s businesses and professionals.  We recognize that the sooner we move applicants through the licensure process, the sooner professionals can begin working and contributing to the economy,” said Secretary Charles W. Drago.

All restaurants that are under new construction or being remodeled must submit a plan of the facility before receiving a license.  This enhancement reduces the time it takes to review plans by at least six days. 

“The division of Hotels and Restaurants has demonstrated that they are committed to business community by establishing the electronic permit process.  McDonald’s has successfully used this system for the McCafé remodels throughout the state.  The timely reviews enabled our stores to roll out our new products in a timely manner.  We appreciate their ongoing commitment to customer service,” stated Mike Motta, Regional Construction Manager for the McDonald’s Corporation. 

Interested professionals can visit MyFloridaLicense.com, navigate to the Division of Hotels and Restaurants Web page, and click on the “Food Service Plan Review Forms” under “Quick Links” on the right-hand menu.  Restaurant plan review applicants who are interested in the service can submit an e-mail request to begin the process. 

This enhancement follows the reorganization of the plan review process to Tallahassee earlier this year.  Previously, seven district offices throughout the state handled plan reviews.  The reorganization alone reduced processing time by four days. 

The Department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly.  The Department licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists.  For more information, please visit MyFloridaLicense.com.

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