Running a Catering Business from Home in Florida: What You Need to Know

Can you run a catering business from home in Florida?
Q: Can I run a catering business out of my home? A: No. Florida law prohibits conducting food establishment operations in a private home, a room used as living or sleeping quarters, or an area directly opening into a room used as living or sleeping quarters.

With its pleasant climate and booming tourism economy, Florida is a wonderful spot to launch a home-based catering business. However, you must first confirm that you have all required licenses and permits before proceeding.

To operate a catering business in Florida, you must first obtain a license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). If you have a liquor license, you can sell alcohol as well as prepare and serve meals to consumers with this license. You must pass an exam as well as a course on food safety and sanitation to become eligible for a DBPR license. Additionally, you’ll need to acquire liability insurance and adhere to regional zoning regulations.

A Florida bakery license is also required if you intend to sell baked goods as part of your catering service. You must submit an application to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, pass an inspection, and acquire a bakery license. Additionally, you must adhere to strict labeling and packaging guidelines.

You must obtain a liquor license if you intend to serve alcohol as part of your catering service. You must submit an application to the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco and fulfill specific conditions, such as finishing a responsible vendor training program, in order to be granted a liquor license in the state of Florida.

There are a few ways for getting a bartending license in Florida. The most well-liked choice is to enroll in a bartender training from a reputable company, like Servingalcohol.com. Servingalcohol.com provides a thorough online course that covers everything from customer service to alcohol safety. You will earn a certification after completing the course that you can use to apply for bartending jobs in Florida.

You need to be at least 21 years old to apply for a bartender license in Florida because that state has a 21-year-old drinking age. Remember that certain employers could demand that you be an older person or have prior bartending experience.

To sum up, starting a catering company from home in Florida is a fantastic way to turn your love of food into a successful career. A DBPR license, a bakery license (if applicable), a liquor license (if serving alcohol), and a bartender license (if applicable) are all licenses and permits you must have before you can begin. With the appropriate credentials and training, you can quickly launch your catering company and begin providing your clients with wonderful meals!

FAQ
How much money does a bartender make in Florida?

What is not mentioned in the article “Running a Catering Business from Home in Florida: What You Need to Know” is how much money a bartender makes in Florida. In contrast, as of May 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the mean hourly income for bartenders in Florida was $11.47. Depending on the employer, region, and other variables, such as experience, the actual income may change.