A food handler's license certifies that employees of establishments such as restaurants, cafeterias and mobile food carts have basic knowledge of food safety, sanitation and the prevention of food-borne illness. The state of Florida has specific criteria for who needs a food handler's license and obtain one.
Who Needs a License?
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation states that "all employees responsible for food storage, preparation, display or service must complete food service employee training." This means that any worker who comes in contact with food designated for public consumption must be licensed. The department further states that workers must obtain their license within 60 days of being hired in most cases, though some workers, such as those working with operations that use "bare contact with ready-to-eat foods" may require faster certification. Additionally, operations that employee four or more food workers must have one licensed certified professional food manager on-site during operating hours; this position requires a separate exam.
Obtaining Florida Food Handler's License
Florida uses third-party programs for licensing food service workers. As of June 2011, 130 such state-approved programs exist. Managers or employees should contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to double-check the current status of a program before paying fees and obtaining training. Several programs offer their courses in a variety of languages to accommodate ESL workers. As of June 2011, Florida does not sanction online courses or exams; all training programs licensing exams are in-person only.
Safe Food Handling
Workers receiving food handler training primarily learn prevent food-borne illness, including proper storage of dry and perishable foods, pest control, personal hygiene, food temperature guidelines and prevention of cross-contamination in the kitchen. It will be the responsibility of the management to continue that training and ensure that safe food handling practices continue throughout the workday.
Reporting Information
All food-service workers receive a hard copy of their food handler's license, which is valid for three years after the date of issue. A copy of the card must also remain on file at the employee's workplace and be readily available during a health inspection. The state also requires that food service establishments report any food service employee training to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation using the web application obtained through that department's website.
