IMPORTANT NEWS...

DBPR and FRLA Now Offer Food Employee Training in Spanish

August 25, 2008

TALLAHASSEE— The Hospitality Education Program (HEP) housed within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, in cooperation with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), is now offering food employee training classes in Spanish.  According to the United States Census Bureau, nearly two-and-a-half million Floridians speak Spanish as their first language.  The addition of Spanish classes is geared toward meeting the needs of this growing population. 

“It is important that we are listening to our customers and providing training tools that all restaurant operators can take advantage of, no matter what their native language,” said Secretary Charles W. Drago.  “In cooperation with FRLA, we are offering these training classes to educate restaurant operators and protect consumers.”

Food employee training classes in Spanish, along with the other English classes, are already underway in 17 locations throughout the State.  The Spanish classes are currently scheduled in Miami on  Aug. 28, Sept. 23, Oct. 14, Nov. 20 and Dec. 17 at 9:30 a.m. and will be held at the Miami Division of Hotels and Restaurants Office, 8240 NW 52 Terrace, Doral, Fla.  Spanish classes will also be scheduled in Orlando and Tampa, although the dates and locations are not yet available. 

HEP provides this training at no cost to the participants.  The Safe Staff materials used in the food employee training can be purchased through the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. The new Spanish version of the Safe Staff manual is now available. 

The Division of Hotels and Restaurants is dedicated to protecting the health and safety of the public through education in partnership with the industry.  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 www.MyFloridaLicense.com.

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