Division of Hotels and Restaurants

Restaurant Plan Review FAQ

General Information

All information on this page is current and was last reviewed by the division on November 19, 2009.

General information on the division's regulatory authority is available in the Complaint FAQs.

For more information on plan reviews, please see our other Restaurant Plan Review FAQs:

• Applications, Approvals and Denials
• Drawing a Plan
• Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicles, Hot Dog Carts and Commissaries
• Technical Requirements

1. Q: I want to build and open a new restaurant, where do I start?

A: You need to submit a complete plan review application packet with a layout of the proposed establishment and all other required documents to our plan review office in Tallahassee so the plans can be reviewed for approval prior to the start of any construction. Detailed instructions can be accessed at the division home page. According to Section 61C-1.002(5)6(c) of the Florida Administrative Code, the layout must be drawn to scale and include all areas of the business including:

• All equipment identified [including handwash sink(s), warewash sink(s), food preparation sink, mop sink, stove, front-line refrigerator, walk-in cooler, etc.
  
• Bathrooms; dining areas; wait stations; finish schedules; water and sewer information.

The plan review application packet includes a checklist to help you make sure you submit everything correctly. You may call the Customer Contact Center at 850.487.1395 if you have any questions about the application or plan review requirements.

2. Q: Is there a fee for the plan review?

A: Yes. Section 61C-1.008(5)(c) Florida Administrative Code authorizes a fee which is set currently at $150.00 due when plans are submitted.

3. Q: To which office do I submit my plans?

A: You must submit the plans to the Tallahassee Plan Review office. Plans for all establishments should be submitted to the Tallahassee office.

4. Q: How do I submit plans?

A: For requirements and forms, please click our APPLY link. Plans, with a completed Application for Plan Review, proof of approved water and sewer, menu, and the $150.00 plan review fee, may be mailed or dropped off for review on a first come, first served basis. You may make an appointment for the plans to be reviewed at the time of submittal. You may submit your license application and licensing fee with the plan review application.

Plans for all establishments should be mailed to or dropped off at the Tallahassee office.

5. Q: When am I required to submit plans for review?

A: Plans are required for any of the following situations:

• Construction of a new food service establishment.
• Remodeling of an existing establishment if the proposed changes affect the sanitation, safety, or restroom requirements, or the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act.
• Reopening an establishment that has been closed over one (1) year.
• Conversion of an existing structure for use as a food establishment.
  

9. Q: What changes do not require a plan review?

A: Changes that are only cosmetic in nature do not require a plan review. Such changes involve painting, replacing dining room carpeting, or replacing like equipment (e.g., replacing an old refrigerator with new). If you are in doubt, call the Customer Contact Center at 850.487.1395 for further clarification.

10. Q: Do I need a plan review for a catering license?

A: Yes. We must approve your plans before you can obtain a catering license. However, a licensed food service establishment may cater out of its own licensed kitchen. If a licensed food service establishment will cater out of a new building, a plan review is required. More information on catering is available in the Catering FAQs.

11. Q: Do I need to contact other agencies before I open for business?

A: Yes. In most cases you must contact the following:

• Local Building Department (includes the plumbing and electrical authority).
• Local Fire Department
• Local Zoning Department
• Local Occupational Licensing Office
• Local Sales Tax Office
• Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (if applicable)

12. Q: Where can I find more information?

A: More information on the requirements for public food service establishments is available in the Food Code, the division's rules, and Florida Statutes. You can also contact the department's Customer Contact Center at 850.487.1395.