IMPORTANT NEWS...
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation Urges Consumers to Hire State-Licensed Caterers
June 23, 2009
TALLAHASSEE— Summer is the time for cookouts, fireworks and family reunions. During these warm months, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation reminds consumers only to hire state-licensed caterers or food service establishments for their special events. Consumers can verify state licenses at MyFloridaLicense.com.
“We strive to provide consumers with helpful, Web-based tools so they can check licenses and view complaint histories,” said Secretary Charles W. Drago.
The Division of Hotel and Restaurants is charged with licensing and regulating caterers. Hiring a licensed caterer helps ensure that food is prepared in a safe facility and decreases the risk of cross contamination and foodborne illness. The department Web site provides consumers with complaint histories and inspection reports for licensees.
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 of Business and Professional Regulation'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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