IMPORTANT NEWS...
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation Reminds Consumers to be Aware of Unlicensed Caterers this Holiday Season
December 23, 2008
TALLAHASSEE— It is the season for holiday parties and get-togethers. Instead of cooking, some people are opting to hire a caterer. Before the holiday feast is ordered, make sure the caterer is licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. This license is in addition to any local license, and may be easily identified by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s name on the face of the license.
DBPR's Division of Hotels and Restaurants is charged with licensing and regulating Florida’s caterers. During this holiday season, the DBPR reminds consumers to only hire state-licensed caterers or food service establishments for their special events. Doing so helps ensure that food is prepared in a safe facility and decreases the risk of cross contamination and food-borne illness.
“The holidays are a time for families and loved ones to enjoy each other’s company over a shared feast,” said Secretary Charles W. Drago. “Before hiring a caterer, consumers should verify the state-required license on our Web site, MyFloridaLicense.com.”
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 www.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 www.MyFloridaLicense.com.
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