Food Establishment Plan Review in Miami, Florida (2026)
Your construction or remodel cannot proceed—and your building permit will be withheld—until the Miami-Dade County Department of Health (DOH) approves your Food Establishment Plan Review for the new or modified space. This mandatory assessment, also called a food service plan review, verifies your kitchen layout, equipment, and sanitation systems comply with Florida’s food safety codes before work begins. Key facts:
- 146 fields to complete — ApronPrep auto-fills 121
- $0–$0 in government filing fees for the review submission
- Varies processing timeline, dependent on plan complexity
Analyzed from Food Establishment Plan Review
83% from one compliance interview
Manual entry or document upload required
Why You Need a Food Establishment Plan Review
The Food Establishment Plan Review is mandated by Florida law and local Miami ordinance. The Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) Chapter 64E-11, the state's food hygiene rule, requires plan approval by the local health authority before any construction, remodeling, or change of ownership begins. In Miami, the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County (DOH-Miami-Dade) administers these state rules, ensuring your physical layout meets sanitary standards for ventilation, plumbing, equipment placement, and waste handling from day one. Skipping this step means opening a facility that is non-compliant by design, creating immediate and costly operational liabilities.
The consequences of operating without an approved plan review or failing to comply with its conditions are severe and financially punitive. They include:
- Immediate operation halt: The DOH-Miami-Dade can issue a cease-and-desist order, preventing you from opening your doors or forcing an immediate shutdown, costing thousands in lost revenue and lease payments.
- Substantial fines: Violations can incur daily fines; for example, under Florida Statute 381.0012, the department can levy civil penalties, which, while variable, can quickly escalate for ongoing non-compliance.
- Permit denial or revocation: Your application for a Food Service License can be denied outright, or an existing license suspended, halting all business activity.
- Insurance and lease breaches: Many commercial leases and business insurance policies require all permits to be in good standing. Operating without this approval can void your coverage and put you in default with your landlord.
Legal code: State food code (locally administered), local health regulations, state sanitary code
Recent update: As of 2026, DOH-Miami-Dade has fully transitioned to a mandatory electronic plan submission portal for all new food establishments, eliminating paper applications and requiring all documents to be uploaded in specific digital formats.
Who Needs a Food Establishment Plan Review?
| Type | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (Full-Service) | Required | Any restaurant with an on-site kitchen preparing and serving food directly to consumers requires this plan review by Miami-Dade County to ensure compliance with Florida Statute § 509.032 and local health codes. |
| Bar / Nightclub | Not Required | Not required if you only serve prepackaged snacks; however, if you prepare food on-site (e.g., slicing fruit, heating bar food), a plan review is required. |
| Food Truck | Required | Mobile food dispensing vehicles must submit plans for review per Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) rules to demonstrate proper equipment layout, waste, and water systems. |
| Coffee Shop / Café | Required | Required if you prepare and serve any potentially hazardous food items (like sandwiches, pastries with dairy fillings) beyond simple brewing, as per Miami-Dade Food Establishment Guidelines. |
See which restaurant types need this requirement — and which don't.
See Full Requirements →Field-by-Field Guide (146 Fields)
121 of 146 auto-filledFood service license type
dropdownSelect the specific classification of your food service operation from the provided list (e.g., 'Public Food Service Establishment,' 'Catering,' 'Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle'), as defined by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
COMMON MISTAKE: Selecting a general category like 'Restaurant' instead of the precise DBPR license type; this mismatch with your submitted plans is a frequent cause for administrative review delay.
Number of seats
textEnter the total maximum indoor and outdoor seating capacity (customer chairs/stools) as shown on your approved floor plan; this number determines plumbing fixture requirements and occupancy load.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering an estimated or desired number that does not match the submitted seating layout on the architectural plans, which will flag a discrepancy during plan review.
Number of seats (culinary education program)
textIf applying for a Culinary Education Program license, enter the student seating capacity for the instructional dining area; leave blank if this license type does not apply.
COMMON MISTAKE: Leaving this field blank when applying for a Culinary Education Program license, or entering a number here for a standard restaurant, causing classification errors.
Vending machine serial number
textIf your operation includes commissary-supported vending machines, enter the manufacturer's serial number for each machine; required for vending-specific permits.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering a model number or internal asset tag instead of the official manufacturer's serial number, which is needed for equipment tracking.
Number of theme park carts
textFor operations within a permitted theme park, enter the total number of mobile food carts you will operate; this determines the base permit fee tier.
COMMON MISTAKE: Including stationary kiosks or trailers in the cart count, or underestimating the number to reduce fees, which leads to violations during inspection.
Application type (new or change of ownership)
dropdownSelect 'New' for a first-time license or 'Change of Ownership' if you are acquiring an existing, currently licensed business; this determines the required supporting documents.
COMMON MISTAKE: Selecting 'Change of Ownership' for a new restaurant in a previously licensed space without completing the required asset purchase agreement, halting the application.
Previous DBPR license number
textIf this is a Change of Ownership, enter the exact 7-digit license number of the prior business from the DBPR; this links your application to the existing file.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering a local business tax receipt number or an expired license number, which fails to pull the correct history and requires manual verification.
Previous business name
textFor a Change of Ownership, enter the legal business name exactly as it appears on the current DBPR license you are acquiring.
COMMON MISTAKE: Using the DBA ('Doing Business As') name instead of the legal entity name on file with DBPR, creating a mismatch that requires a correction affidavit.
Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
textEnter the 9-digit Federal Employer Identification Number issued by the IRS to your business entity (e.g., '12-3456789'), required for all corporate and LLC applicants.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering an SSN in this field, omitting hyphens, or using a revoked FEIN, which triggers a mandatory verification delay with the Florida Department of Revenue.
Social Security Number (owner/officer)
textIf the applicant is a sole proprietor or general partnership, enter the owner's 9-digit Social Security Number (format: '123-45-6789') for tax compliance verification.
COMMON MISTAKE: An LLC or corporation entering an officer's SSN here instead of leaving it blank and providing only the FEIN, which creates a data conflict and application hold.
ApronPrep auto-fills 121 of 146 fields from a single compliance interview — no re-typing, no guessing what the government expects.
Top 5 Food Establishment Plan Review Mistakes
1. Submitting Incomplete or Generic Floor Plans
Sending hand-drawn sketches or generic templates without precise, to-scale drawings of equipment, plumbing, and waste lines. The Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER) requires ANSI-standard architectural drawings. Example mistake: not detailing the 3-compartment sink's drain line connection to the grease interceptor, which fails plumbing code. This causes an automatic rejection and adds 3-5 weeks for re-drawing and resubmission.
2. Omitting Equipment Spec Sheets or NSF/UL Certifications
Failing to include manufacturers' cut sheets proving equipment meets NSF/ANSI Standard 2 (Food Equipment) or UL sanitation standards. Inspectors must verify every listed appliance—from the walk-in cooler to the ice machine—is certified for commercial use. An application listing a 'commercial-grade flat-top grill' without its UL certification letter will be held incomplete. You'll need to pause ordering and sourcing to obtain the correct documentation, delaying approval by 1-2 weeks.
3. Incorrectly Calculating Occupancy Load or Missing ADA Details
Leaving the occupancy load field blank or miscalculating it (using the generic '50' for a 1,000 sq ft space), and not showing ADA-compliant restrooms, routes, and service counters on the plan. Miami enforces Florida Building Code Chapter 11 (Accessibility) strictly. A plan showing a single 24-inch wide restroom entry instead of the required 32-inch clear width will be flagged. This forces a full plan revision and re-stamping by your designer, adding 2-4 weeks and extra architectural fees.
Skip the Paperwork on Your Food Establishment Plan Review
ApronPrep auto-fills 121 of 146 fields from one compliance interview.
No credit card required
Food Establishment Plan Review by City in Florida
| City | Fee Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | ||
| Miami | ||
| Tampa |
Process Steps: 2-4 Months from Submission to Approval
Prepare Application Packet & Technical Drawings
Gather the required documents, including a complete, notarized <strong>FDACS DBPR Form HR-7000-324</strong> (Food Establishment Plan Review Application). You must also prepare detailed, scaled technical drawings: site plan, floor plan, equipment layout, plumbing riser diagram, and mechanical ventilation plan. Most rejections stem from incomplete drawings or missing the professional seal from a Florida-licensed engineer/architect for plumbing and HVAC systems. The plan review fee ($224 for new establishments) is due with submission. This preparation typically takes 1-2 weeks.
Submit Application Packet to FDACS Miami Office
File your complete application packet in person at the <strong>Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Miami Office</strong> at 18250 SW 288th St, Homestead, FL 33030. Ensure you have the original notarized application, all drawings, and payment (check or money order to FDACS). Applications missing the notary seal or the full plan review fee are returned immediately. You will receive a submission receipt with a tracking number. Schedule an appointment if possible.
Initial Review & Deficiency Letter (If Any)
An FDACS environmental specialist reviews your plans for compliance with <strong>Florida Statutes Chapter 500</strong> and the Florida Food Hygiene Code. If issues are found, you will receive a formal deficiency letter listing required corrections (e.g., missing handwash sink, incorrect drain line sizing). You must submit revised plans addressing all deficiencies. This review cycle can happen multiple times and is the primary reason timelines vary. The first review typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Where to Apply
Applications are handled by your local board of health in each city. Select your city below for authority details, fees, and processing timeline.
Other Requirements You'll Need
This is one of 13 requirements for opening a restaurant in Florida.
ADA Compliance Self-Certification
federal
Alarm System Permit/Registration
local
Annual Report Filing
state
Application for Employer Identification Number
federal
See all co-required forms and how they connect to your compliance dossier.
See All RequirementsProcessing time varies significantly based on project complexity and application completeness, per the Miami-Dade County Regulatory & Economic Resources (RER) Department. Simple submissions for minor changes may be reviewed in a few weeks, while complex new builds can take several months. To avoid delays, ensure your application package includes complete construction drawings and all prerequisite permits, like a Building Permit.
According to the Miami-Dade County fee schedule, there are no direct government filing fees for the initial plan review itself. However, you must pay the plan review fee as part of your overall Building Permit application cost. Contact Miami-Dade County RER to confirm the total permit fee, as it is calculated based on construction valuation and other factors.
No, a plan review is non-transferable. It is a site-specific evaluation of your layout, equipment, and systems based on the approved construction plans. Opening at a new location requires submitting a completely new set of plans for review and approval by the Miami-Dade County RER Department, as the new space will have different dimensions and infrastructure.
You do not renew a plan review. It is a one-time approval for the initial construction or renovation. Once your restaurant is built and passes its final inspection, ongoing compliance is maintained through your annual Food Service License. However, any future modifications to the physical layout or equipment will require a new plan review submission.
The plan review is a desk review of your submitted architectural, plumbing, and electrical drawings, not a physical inspection. A county plan reviewer checks your layouts for compliance with the Florida Building Code and FDA Food Code. The physical inspection occurs later, after construction, to verify the build matches the approved plans before you receive your final Certificate of Occupancy.
About This Data
This guide is generated from ApronPrep's compliance dossier system, which uses 53 parallel AI authority experts to discover requirements, then downloads actual forms and generates field-level intelligence for each one.
For Florida specifically, we have analyzed compliance dossiers for 3 cities (Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa), generating Rich FILs (Form Intelligence Layers) with 146 form fields analyzed for this requirement. Fee data is sourced from actual county department fee schedules, not estimates.
Our data is verified against official government sources and updated when regulatory changes are detected. If you find an error, please report it — accuracy is our core commitment.
Sources
- State food code (locally administered), local health regulations, state sanitary code
- Jacksonville — Board of Health / Health Department
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