Florida law requires food managers to complete training and pass a certification exam within 30 days of employment. Private entities provide the training and testing. Food manager certification must be completed through one of the accredited examination programs listed below. Florida law requires all public food service establishments to provide the division with proof of food manager certification upon request, including, but not limited to, at the time of any division inspection of the establishment.

More information is available below.
Section 509.039, Florida Statutes

Reference in law requiring food manager certification.
Rule 61C-4.023, Florida Administrative Code (Microsoft Word)
Microsoft Word Viewer 2003 can be downloaded by clicking on the “Help with Downloading” link at the bottom of the page.

Food Manager Certification Testing

Accredited Examination Programs

Conference for Food Protection
National organization that has accredited the examination programs used by Florida.

Food Manager Certification HandoutEnglish PDF / Spanish PDF

DBPR Form HR 5030-080, cut-sheet used by Division of Hotels and Restaurants’ inspectors to remind licensees of food manager requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

> What is a Certified Food Manager?

> Who must be a Certified Food Manager?

> How do I get a Certified Food Manager Certificate?

> Who provides Certified Food Manager examinations?

> Where can I get information about Certified Food Manager examinations?

> How long is the food manager certification valid?

> If I change jobs, does my Certified Food Safety Manager Certificate transfer to my new work location?

> Is my food manager certification from another state valid in Florida ?

Need Help?

All requests for public records, complaints, forms, and applications for licenses can be obtained by contacting the Customer Contact Center.

Steven von Bodungen, Director

Division of Hotels and Restaurants
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011

Telephone: 850.487.1395
Email: dhr.info@myfloridalicense.com