IMPORTANT NEWS...
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation Reminds Consumers to Hire Licensed Caterers this Holiday Season
November 13, 2009
TALLAHASSEE—As the holiday season approaches, some event hosts will opt to hire a caterer to help enjoy the holiday celebration and avoid the pressures of cooking a meal. Before the holiday feast is ordered, make sure the caterer is licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. To verify a caterer’s license is current and active, go to MyFloridaLicense.com.
The department’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants is charged with licensing and regulating Florida’s caterers. Doing so helps ensure that food is prepared in a safe facility and decreases the risk of cross contamination and food-borne illness.
“Holiday parties and events are a fun way to share the spirit of the season,” said Secretary Charles W. Drago. “Before hiring a caterer for your holiday event, verify the state-required license on our Web site.”
Consumers can protect themselves from unlicensed catering activities by:
1. Asking to see the caterer's DBPR license;
2. Verifying the license is current and active by going to MyFloridaLicense.com; and
3. Checking references.
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 MyFloridaLicense.com.
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