Food Hygiene

The Florida Department of Health in Hardee County (DOH-Hardee) 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

DOH-Hardee 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

Report

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