Food Hygiene

This program ensures food establishments regulated by the Department of Health (DOH) are designed, built, equipped and operated in a safe and sanitary manner.  It should be noted that public restaurants in Florida are under the regulatory authority of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Grocery stores and convenience stores in Florida are under the regulatory authority of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS). 

For more information, contact:

Kiana Ramos: 352-540-6800, Ext.82144

Daniel Santerre: 352-540-6800, Ext. 82158

Complaints

To file a complaint for Restaurants, Mobile Food Vehicle, or Caterers, contact DBPR.

To file a complaint for Schools, Assisted Living Facilities, Jail, Bars, Civic or Fraternal Organizations, contact DOH.

To file a complaint for Grocery Stores, Convenience Stores, or Food Processors, contact DACS.

Food Borne Diseases

If you think you have become ill from eating in a food service facility, report it to our office immediately by calling 352-540-6812, Option #3, or go online where complaints can be filed by following the links at the bottom of the page.

The Florida Department of Health in Hernando County's jurisdiction includes food service operations located in the following types of establishments:

• Schools (public and private)
• Assisted living facilities, adult day care, adult family home
• Residential facilities
• After School Meal Program
• Correctional facilities
• Civic and fraternal organizations
• Theaters (that limit their menu to drinks, candy, popcorn, hotdogs and nachos)
• Bars and lounges (that do not serve food)

Health, Safety, and Sanitation Requirements 

All change of ownership or new bars that do not serve food, assisted living facilities and schools must get approval from the Department of Health before operating.  Health, Safety and Sanitation requirements must be met in order to obtain approval from the Division of Environmental Health.  The online forms are located below for the requirements for each type of facility and need to be part of your plan review.

Food Safety and Sanitation Information

Forms

• Florida Department of Health Food Service Facility Application
• Florida Department of Health Food Service Facility Plan Review Application
• Florida Department of Health Temporary Food Service Event Application
• Time as a Public Health Control Guidance 

Furthermore, the following paperwork needs to be part of your plan review:

• A floor plan with all sinks and toilets marked
• A water bill (if facility is serviced by public sewer) or an Existing System Evaluation (if the facility is served by a Septic System)  
• Please bring the entire plan review to:

Environmental Health Division
7551 Forest Oaks Blvd
Spring Hill, FL  34606

Resources

• Food Safety (Preparation and Storage)
• Agency for Health Care Administration
• American Health Care Association
• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
• Department of Children and Families
• Florida Health Food Safety and Sanitation Program Web Page
• Florida Statutes
• Florida Administrative Codes
• Chapter 64E-11, Florida Administrative Code
• Preventing Food Contamination
• Florida Department of Health Food Safety and Sanitation
• Food and Drug Administration - Food Safety
• FDA Food Code
• US Department of Agriculture - Food Safety
• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)

New or extensively renovated facilities require local plan review by Florida Department of Health in Hernando County personnel.