Division of Hotels and Restaurants

Restaurant Plan Review FAQ

Applications, Approvals and Denials

All information on this page is current and was last reviewed by the division on March 28, 2012.

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:

• General Information
• Drawing a Plan
• Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicles, Hot Dog Carts and Commissaries
• Technical Requirements

1. Q: Where can I get an application for plan review?

A: Plan review applications are available on our website. Please click our APPLY link for application forms and plan review requirements.

2. Q: How many phone numbers, e-mail addresses or fax numbers can I submit with the application?

A: You may include contact information for anyone who has the authority to make decisions and can answer questions.  Attach additional contact information on a separate page if necessary.  We want to resolve issues with the plans and help you open sooner, so please provide as much information as necessary to help us contact you quickly when needed. 

3. Q: Do I need to include an e-mail address on the application?

A: No.  We do not require you to provide an e-mail address, but e-mail is a fast and easy way for us to communicate with you.

4. Q: I do not want spam e-mails. Will the division sell or share my e-mail address?

A: The division will not sell or freely share your e-mail address.  However, Florida has broad public records laws.  All e-mails, applications and other documents submitted to us are subject to public records request and the law requires us to provide the information, upon request.

5. Q: How do I correctly fill out the finish information on the plan review application?

A: The finish information required for section 8 of the Application for Plan Review and section 7 of the Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle Plan Review Application refers to the type of construction material installed in the specific areas of the establishment.  The information must describe the type of material used to finish the floors, walls, cove base or baseboard, and ceilings in the food preparation, food storage, dry storage, bar, bathroom, dishwashing areas or the interior of the mobile food dispensing vehicle.  The finish must be smooth, easily cleanable and nonabsorbent.  Some acceptable material descriptions are:

• Floors - vinyl, tile, sealed wood, or concrete.
• Walls – drywall or fiberglass reinforced panels (FRP)
• Cove base – tile, sealed wood, rubber, vinyl, or plastic.
• Ceilings – drywall, FRP, or vinyl-coated ceiling tiles.

Information on approved and unapproved materials and construction finishes is available in the Technical Requirements FAQs.

6. Q: What information or documents do I have to submit with my food service plan review application for a restaurant or caterer?

A: A food service plan review application must include:

• At least two copies of scaled drawings.
• A copy of the proposed menu.
• A completed application packet, available at APPLY, which includes
• DBPR HR-7005 Application for Plan Review, and
• Onsite Sewage (Septic) and Water Supply Evaluation.
• The application fee of $150, payable by check or money order to the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Cash is not accepted.

More information on drawing a plan for the plan review application is available in the Drawing a Plan FAQs.

7. Q: What information or documents do I have to submit with my mobile food dispensing vehicle (MFDV) or hot dog cart plan review application?

A: A MFDV or hot dog cart plan review application must include:

• At least two sets of scaled drawings with a side view of the vehicle or cart.
• A copy of the proposed menu.
• A completed application packet, available at APPLY, which includes
• DBPR HR-7006 Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle Plan Review Application,
• DBPR HR-7022 Commissary Notification, and
• Onsite Sewage (Septic) and Water Supply Evaluation.
• The application fee of $150, payable by check or money order to the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Cash is not accepted.

More information on drawing a plan for the plan review application is available in the Drawing a Plan FAQs.

8. Q: Can I submit more than two sets of my plans?

A: Yes. You may submit as many additional sets of your plans as required by your local authorities. We will contact you to arrange for the return of the extra sets.

9. Q: How long will it take for the plans to be reviewed?

A: While the law allows the division up to 30 days to review the plans and respond, we usually get them done sooner.  We review plans on a first come, first serve basis. You should submit your plans as soon as you gather all of the items required for the plan review application packet.  For faster approval, make sure you correctly submit all items required for the plan review application. We cannot approve your plan until the application packet is complete and correct. Submitting an incomplete or incorrect plan review packet will cause the plan review to take longer.

10. Q: What are some common mistakes that slow down plan review and approval?

A: Some common mistakes include submitting an incomplete application form or not providing proof of water and wastewater service, a menu, or a complete plan drawn to scale. Please read all of the instructions in the plan review application and use the checklist in the application to make sure you include all items required for your plan review application packet. Submitting an incomplete or incorrect plan review packet will result in the plan review taking longer. 

11. Q: What could cause the plans to be denied?

A: Section 61C-1.002(5)(c)4 Florida Administrative Code, sets out the reasons for denying a plan. Experience has shown the most frequent reason for denying plans is incompleteness. Another leading reason is because the plans do not meet the minimum requirements as described in law or code.

12. Q: If I make a mistake or submit plans that are incomplete or do not meet minimum requirements, can I provide the needed information or revise the plans before they are denied?

A: Yes. As authorized by Section 61C-1.002(5)(c)2, once plans are reviewed, the Plan Reviewer informs the responsible party of any missing information or items that need to be addressed further. We will contact you by letter through U.S. Postal Service to the mailing address provided in the application and attempt to contact you through any other contact information provided. The division must receive the necessary information within 30 days of the notification, otherwise the plans will be denied.

13. Q: What happens after my plan is approved?

A: Once your plan is approved, we will send you a plan review approval packet with an approval letter, a copy of the plan review specification worksheet we used to verify compliance with the minimum requirements, your approved and stamped plan(s), and any other materials with information to help you prepare for the opening inspection.

14. Q: Does a plan approval ever expire?

A: Yes. A plan approval is valid for one year.  Your plan approval expires if your food service establishment is not inspected and licensed within one year of the plan approval.  If your plan approval expires, you may be required to complete an additional plan review.

15. Q: Will I receive my license as soon as my plan is approved?

A: No.  Plan approval is just the first step to obtaining a public food service license from the division.  You must also apply for a license and pass an opening inspection. Please see our Food Service and Lodging Licensing FAQs for more information on obtaining your license.

16. Q: I already applied for a public food service license and my plan is approved.  When will I get my license? 

A: Your establishment must pass an opening inspection before we can send you a license.  Please see our Food Service and Lodging Licensing FAQs for more information on obtaining your license.

17. 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.