Florida requires every DBPR-licensed restaurant to have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) and all employees trained in food handler basics within 60 days of hire. Certification follows ANSI-CFP accredited courses such as ServSafe and is valid five years.
Under FL Chapter 509 and Florida Administrative Code 61C-4.023, every public food service establishment licensed by DBPR must employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager whose CFPM certificate is on-site. All other food employees must be trained on basic food handler topics within 60 days of hire and recertified per the establishment's program; many use ServSafe Food Handler. Mobile food vendors and food trucks operating in Miami-Dade follow the same DBPR rules plus county vending-zone permits. Schools and group homes follow FDOH-Miami-Dade rules requiring food manager certification on-site during food preparation as well.
Operating without a CFPM on staff is a basic violation that escalates to intermediate or high-priority on repeat inspections, potentially triggering fines and license action.
See how Miami Gardens's food handler certification rules stack up against other locations.
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