It is the objective of the food hygiene program to ensure that facilities regulated by the department serve food, beverages, and snacks in a safe and sanitary manner and minimize the occurrence of food related illness.

Food Hygiene is regulated by three different agencies in the State of Florida.  The Department of Business Regulation (DBPR) regulates food services in all restaurants and bars that prepare and serve food to the general public.  The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) regulates food processors and food preparation in grocery and convenience stores.  For the DOH sanitation certificate application please click here.

The Department of Health regulates food and beverages served in:

• Assisted Living Facilities,
• Nursing Homes & Hospitals
• Schools, Public & Private
• Civic & Fraternal Organizations,
• Theatre Concessions,
• Group Residential Facilities,
• Bars and Lounges that do not prepare food,
• Foster Homes,
• Day Care Facilities,
• Summer Feeding sites, and
• Other limited food facilities not regulated by DBPR or DACS.

We also investigate suspected foodborne illness cases in all food facilities.  If you think you have become ill from eating in a food service facility, you should report it to our office by calling 407.521.2630.

We currently have approximately 640 establishments which are inspected on a routine basis. Most inspections are performed quarterly.  For the requirements to open a facility with the Orange County Health Department please click here.

Inspection of regular restaurants is performed by the Dept. of Business & Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels & Restaurants. For information on those establishments you may call them at 850.623.1240.