Jacksonville Restaurant Compliance Guide
Permits, licenses, inspections, and recurring records that apply to restaurants in Jacksonville. Includes city, county, state, and nationwide requirements.
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Opening a Restaurant
Permits and approvals required before you open.
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Public Food Service Establishment License — Florida (DBPR)One-time to open (see renewal)Florida
Every Florida restaurant must hold a state Public Food Service Establishment license from DBPR before serving the public.
Local Business Tax Receipt — Jacksonville / Duval CountyAnnual (Oct 1 – Sep 30)Jacksonville
Jacksonville restaurants need a single Local Business Tax Receipt from the Duval County Tax Collector (consolidated government).
Certificate of Use (Zoning) — JacksonvilleOne-time (or on change of use)Jacksonville
A Jacksonville Certificate of Use is the first step to occupy a space, with a three-tier review by Zoning, Building, and the Fire Marshal.
Raw Fish Parasite Destruction — Nationwide (FDA Food Code)As supplier changes
Fish served raw or undercooked must be frozen for parasite destruction, documented by a supplier freezing letter (some species are exempt).
Building / Commercial Permit — JacksonvilleOne-time (per build-out/remodel)Jacksonville
Jacksonville restaurant build-outs require a City commercial building permit, submitted via the JAXEPICS portal.
Certified Food Manager — FloridaCertificate ~every 5 yearsFlorida
Florida restaurants must designate a Certified Food Manager and provide food-handler training for staff.
Consumer Self-Service (Buffet / Salad Bar) — Nationwide (FDA Food Code)Written procedures (review as menu changes)
Buffets and salad bars require food shields, safe utensils/dispensing, and (if using time instead of temperature) written procedures.
Sales & Use Tax — Certificate of Registration — Florida (DOR)One-time registrationFlorida
Florida restaurants must register with the Department of Revenue and display a Certificate of Registration before selling taxable meals.
Certificate of Occupancy — JacksonvilleOne-time (per space/change of use)Jacksonville
Jacksonville issues a Certificate of Occupancy once all required city inspections have passed.
Alcoholic Beverage License — Florida (ABT)Annual (state license)Florida
Serving alcohol in Florida requires a state Alcoholic Beverage license from DBPR ABT, plus local zoning approval.
Specialized Processes — Variance & HACCP Plan — Nationwide (FDA Food Code)Before the process / as it changes
Specialized processes (ROP/sous vide, curing, smoking for preservation, acidification, sprouting) require a variance and a HACCP plan from your local health authority.
Grease Interceptor & JEA Commercial FOG Program — JacksonvilleOne-time device/approval (see ongoing service)Jacksonville
Jacksonville restaurants on the JEA sewer must install an approved grease control device and enroll in JEA's Commercial FOG program.
Ongoing Requirements
Recurring inspections, renewals, and records you must maintain.
Shellstock Tag Retention — Nationwide (FDA Food Code)Retain each tag 90 days
Restaurants serving molluscan shellfish must keep the shellstock identification tags for 90 days after the container is emptied.
Food Service License — Renewal — Florida (DBPR)Per DBPR renewal cycleFlorida
The Florida DBPR food service license must be renewed on the state schedule, with recurring inspections.
Hood Cleaning — Quarterly RecordsQuarterly
Commercial kitchen hoods must be professionally cleaned every 1–3 months depending on cooking volume. Proof may be requested by fire marshals, insurers, and landlords.
Hood Suppression System — Semi-Annual InspectionEvery 6 months
Your fire suppression system must be inspected and certified every 6 months by a licensed contractor. This is one of the most frequently requested documents by fire marshals and insurers.
Offsite Catering — Time/Temperature Records — Nationwide (FDA Food Code)Every offsite event
Catered/offsite events require time-and-temperature control during transport and holding, with logs kept; a local catering permit or endorsement may also apply.
Fire Extinguisher — Annual InspectionAnnual
All portable fire extinguishers must be inspected annually by a licensed contractor and visually checked monthly by staff.
Pest Control — Monthly Service RecordsMonthly
Georgia requires licensed pest control services for food establishments. Monthly service is the industry standard and health inspectors will review your logs.
FOG / Grease Device Service Records — Jacksonville (JEA)Trap 15d / intermediate 30d / interceptor 90dJacksonville
JEA sets grease-device cleaning intervals by size: traps every 15 days, intermediate 30 days, interceptors 90 days.
Insurance Certificate of Insurance (COI)Annual
A Certificate of Insurance proves your active coverage to landlords, vendors, lenders, and buyers. It must be updated annually and whenever coverage changes.
HVAC / Refrigeration — Temperature Compliance & Service RecordsOngoing
Refrigeration must hold food at 41°F or below, and any refrigerant servicing must be done by EPA Section 608–certified technicians. Keep temperature logs and service records.
Waste / Sanitation — Refuse Storage & CollectionOngoing
Garbage and refuse must be stored in covered, cleanable containers and collected often enough to prevent pests and odors. Keep your commercial waste service records.
Equipment Maintenance — Good Repair & Service RecordsOngoing
Food equipment must be NSF-certified, kept in good repair, and able to wash, rinse, and sanitize correctly. Keep maintenance and ware-washing service records.
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