IMPORTANT NEWS...

DBPR Reminds Consumers to Work Only with Licensed Caterers

June 5, 2008

Tallahassee – Summer is a great time to get together and share a meal with family and friends.  Consumers often look to catering services when planning events to help enjoy the special day—without the pressures of cooking a meal.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (Department) Division of Hotels and Restaurants is charged with licensing and regulating caterers.  This summer, the Department would like to remind consumers to hire a licensed caterer to prepare the food for your special event.  By hiring a licensed caterer, consumers help ensure that the food was prepared in a safe, sanitary facility that has been inspected by the Department.  Using a licensed caterer helps protect consumers and their guests from the dangers of food-borne illness and food poisoning. 

“I love to celebrate special occasions by gathering together with good friends and family over a great meal,” said Interim Secretary Chuck Drago.   “Whether it is a birth, wedding, birthday celebration or anniversary, make sure you are protecting your guests by only using a licensed caterer in your area.”

The Department licenses food service establishments, including caterers, and is also charged with combating unlicensed activity.  Combating unlicensed catering can be difficult because catered events typically occur on the weekends or outside normal operating hours.  Although the Department is on the lookout for these unlicensed individuals and businesses, consumers can help combat unlicensed catering activity. 

When planning a catered event, consumers should:

1.  Ask to see the caterer’s DBPR license;

2.  Verify the license is current and active by going to www.MyFloridaLicense.com; and,

3.  Check references.

By following these easy steps and hiring one of the 400 licensed caterers or 5,000 licensed restaurants, consumers can take the necessary steps to ensure a successful event. 

The Division of Hotels and Restaurants is dedicated to protecting the health and safety of the public through education in partnership with the industry.  The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly.  The Department licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists.  For more information, please visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com.

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