Food Hygiene

The Florida Department of Health in Hardee County has authority within the following food service facilities: schools (public and private), residential facilities, assisted living facilities, correctional facilities, civic and fraternal organizations, bars, and lounges that do not serve food.

Under Chapter 64E-11, Florida Administrative Code, these facilities are inspected for:

• Health and safety checks for proper handling of food
• Storage and preparation of foods
• Adequate refrigeration temperatures
• Proper cleaning and sanitizing of utensils, work areas, and equipment
• Prevention of cross-contamination (keeping raw meats separate from other unprepared foods)
• Contamination by insects and other pests

The Florida Department of Health in Hardee County no longer works with food service facilities in hospitals, nursing homes, childcare facilities, many group homes, and churches and other not-for-profit religious organizations.

• Public restaurants in Hardee County are under the authority of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
• Grocery stores and convenience stores in Hardee are under the authority of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. 

Food Establishment Fees

• Fraternal / Civic: $290
• School Cafeteria: $300
• Jail / Prison: $350
• Bar / Lounge: $290
• Residential Facilities: $235
• Limited Food Service: $210
• Other Food Service: $290

Inspection Reports and Data

• Inspection Reports and Data
• Rules, Forms, Applications, and Information
• File a Complaint