Division of Hotels and Restaurants

Restaurant Plan Review FAQ

Q: I want to build and open a new restaurant, where do I start?

A: You need to submit a complete layout of the proposed establishment to the local Hotels & Restaurants district office so the plans can be reviewed for approval prior to the start of any construction. Detailed instructions can be accessed at the division home page. According to Section 61C-1.002(5)6(c) of the Florida Administrative Code, the layout must be drawn to scale and include all areas of the business including:

1. All equipment identified [including handwash sink(s), warewash sink(s), food preparation sink, mop sink, stove, front-line refrigerator, walk-in cooler, etc.

2. Bathrooms; dining areas; wait stations; finish schedules; water and sewer information.

Q: Is there a fee for the plan review?

A: Yes. Section 61C-1.008(5)(c) Florida Administrative Code authorizes a fee which is set currently at $150.00 due when plans are submitted.

Q: To which office do I submit my plans?

A: You must submit the plans to the office that is responsible for reviewing plans for the county where the establishment is located. The division's website lists all counties in Florida and identifies which district (by number 1 – 7) governs that county. 

District 1, 2, 3, and 4 plan review is completed in the local district office. Plans for establishments located in counties in those districts should be submitted to the local district office.

District 5, 6 and 7 plan review is now being completed in our Tallahassee office. Plans for establishments located in counties in those districts should be submitted to the Tallahassee office.

The division will be moving all plan review processing to Tallahassee in stages. Please keep an eye on our website for plan review updates and mailing information.

Q: How do I submit plans?

A: Plans, with a completed Application for Plan Review, proof of approved water and sewer, menu, and the $150.00 plan review fee, may be mailed or dropped off for review on a first come, first served basis. In some areas, you may make an appointment for the plans to be reviewed at the time of submittal.

District 1, 2, 3, and 4 plan review is completed in the local district office. Plans for establishments located in counties in those districts should be mailed to or dropped off at the local district office.

District 5, 6 and 7 plan review is completed in our Tallahassee office. Plans for establishments located in counties in those districts should be mailed to or dropped off at the Tallahassee office.

The division will be moving all plan review processing to Tallahassee in stages. Please keep an eye on our website for plan review updates and mailing information.

Q: How long will it take for the plans to be reviewed?

A: While the law allows the division up to 30 days to review the plans and respond, we usually get them done sooner.

Q: What could cause the plans to be denied?

A: Section 61C-1.002(5)(c)4 Florida Administrative Code, sets out the reasons for denying a plan. Experience has shown the most frequent reason for denying plans is incompleteness. Another leading reason is because the plans do not meet the minimum requirements as described in law or code.

Q: If I submit plans that are incomplete or do not meet minimum requirements, am I given a chance to provide the needed information or revise the plans before they are actually denied?

A: Yes. As authorized by Section 61C-1.002(5)(c)2, once plans are reviewed, the Plan Reviewer informs the responsible party what items need to be addressed further. The division within 30 days of the notification must receive this information, otherwise the plans will be denied.

Q: When am I required to submit plans for review?

A: Plans are required for any of the following situations:

• Construction of a new food service establishment.
• Remodeling of an existing establishment if the proposed changes affect the sanitation, safety, or restroom requirements, or the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act.
• Reopening an establishment that has been closed over one (1) year.
• Conversion of an existing structure for use as a food establishment.
  

Q: What changes do not require a plan review?

A: Changes that are only cosmetic in nature do not require a plan review. Such changes involve painting, replacing dining room carpeting, or replacing like equipment (e.g., replacing an old refrigerator with new). If you are in doubt, call the Customer Contact Center at 850.487.1395 for further clarification.

Q: Do I need to contact other agencies before I open for business?

A: Yes. In most cases you must contact the following:

• Local Building Department (includes the plumbing and electrical authority).
• Local Fire Department
• Local Zoning Department
• Local Occupational Licensing Office
• Local Sales Tax Office
• Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (if applicable)