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Food-safety certification

Florida Food Handler & Manager Certification

What food-safety certification Florida requires — the employee food handler card and the manager (CFPM) certification — who needs each, accepted programs, cost and renewal.
Educational summary, not legal advice — requirements change and localities can add their own; confirm with your health authority.

Food handler card

Required?
Required — All food service employees who handle food, food-contact surfaces, or equipment must complete an approved food handler training program within 60 days of employment.
State card
No distinct state-issued card — state-approved / ANAB-accredited course completion satisfies the requirement.
Accepted programs
ServSafe Food HandlerStateFoodSafetyLearn2Serve/360trainingeFoodHandlersany DBPR-approved provider
Typical cost
$7-15
Valid for
3 years · Retake the approved course every 3 years
When to get it
Within 60 days of hire
Local exceptions
Applies statewide (Miami-Dade, Broward, Hillsborough, Orange, etc.); no separate local handler card.
Governed by
Florida Dept. of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Hotels & Restaurants

Source: official page

Employee-level statewide requirement satisfied by any DBPR-approved provider.

Manager certification (CFPM)

Required?
Required — Any DBPR-licensed food establishment must employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (Rule 61C-4.023, F.A.C.).
Accepted exams
ServSafe ManagerNational Registry (NRFSP)Prometric (PFM)360training/Learn2ServeStateFoodSafety
How many
At least one CFPM per establishment; one CFPM must be present whenever four or more employees are engaged in preparing, storing, or serving food
On-site during hours?
No
Valid for
5 years · Retake an ANSI-CFP accredited exam within 5 years
Local registration
DBPR regulates restaurants; Dept of Agriculture regulates grocery/retail food; DOH regulates institutional. New manager must pass the exam within 30 days of employment.
Governed by
Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (Division of Hotels & Restaurants)

Source: official page

Presence requirement is conditional (4+ employees engaged in food handling), not literally all hours.

Opening in Florida? See Florida food-business requirements, the inspection self-audit, and Florida cottage food law if you're starting from home.

Frequently asked

Do I need a food handler card in Florida?
Yes — Florida requires a food handler card. All food service employees who handle food, food-contact surfaces, or equipment must complete an approved food handler training program within 60 days of employment. A card usually costs $7-15 and is valid for 3 years.
Does Florida require a certified food protection manager?
Yes — Florida requires a certified food protection manager (CFPM). Any DBPR-licensed food establishment must employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (Rule 61C-4.023, F.A.C.). Certification is typically valid for 5 years.
What's the difference between a food handler card and a manager certification in Florida?
A food handler card is an entry-level credential for employees who handle food — a short course and quiz. A manager (CFPM) certification is a more rigorous, proctored exam (like ServSafe Manager) held by a person responsible for food safety at the establishment. Many states require the manager credential even where they don't require handler cards for every employee.
Which food safety courses are accepted in Florida?
Accepted programs are ANSI-accredited providers such as ServSafe, StateFoodSafety, National Registry, Prometric, and 360training/Learn2Serve, plus any state-specific card where one exists. Confirm the current accepted list with your health authority before paying.
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