If plans do not meet sanitation and safety requirements, the applicant may request a variance from the division’s rules. A variance request must meet the requirements of section 120.542, Florida Statutes, and rule 28-104.002, Florida Administrative Code.

To apply for a variance after your plan has been denied, submit a written request to the division. There is no fee for a variance request. Include any relevant documentation to support the request and a contact name, address and phone number from whom additional information may be obtained.

There are two types of variances as follows:

Routine Variance Request: A response will be issued within 90 days.

Emergency Variance Request: A response will be issued within thirty (30) days.

Variance requests should be mailed to:

Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Division of Hotels and Restaurants Plan Review Office
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1011

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