Division of Hotels and Restaurants

Food Service and Lodging Inspection Types

The Division of Hotels and Restaurants categorizes its inspections for better tracking and reporting. Each inspection "visit" is grouped into one of the following categories. The first time the inspector visits the establishment for an inspection is referred to as an "initial" visit. Any subsequent visits that result from deficiencies found at an initial visit are called "callbacks." Although the terms "initial" and "callback" are not specifically referenced in the inspection types, they are indicated by the visit number found in the inspection extracts. The term "callback" is also indicated in some of the inspection dispositions below.

Licensing – An inspection completed upon initial licensure or change of ownership.

Routine – A scheduled inspection, unannounced to the restaurant. An inspector will conduct a complete inspection covering all items in the regulations for compliance.

Complaint Partial – An inspection conducted as a result of a complaint received by the division. The specifics of the complaint are evaluated and discussed with the person in charge.

Complaint Full – A complete inspection conducted as result of a complaint received by the division. If the inspector arrives at the establishment and determines that it is due for a routine inspection, the inspector has the option of performing a "Complaint Full" inspection.

Epidemiological – An inspection conducted in response to a report of foodborne illness. The division notifies the Florida Department of Health and works closely with them in these situations.

Information – A visit by an inspector at the request of a licensee to address an educational issue.

Service Request – A visit by an inspector at the request of a licensee to perform a specific task, such as a beverage inspection. Service requests are often changed to one of the other classes of inspection upon arrival at the establishment.

Temporary – A visit by an inspector to a food service vendor operating at a temporary event of 1-30 days, such as a fair, festival, etc.