The vast majority of these facilities operate in accordance with Florida law and make a conscientious effort to correct any deficiencies noted during inspections. Food service establishments, like other businesses, have strong financial incentives to observe both the law and good business practices. An additional 20 hours of annual continuing education is required. Inspections State law requires restaurants to be inspected at least twice a year. The department strives for a minimum of three inspections per year, more if it is necessary to correct problems.
All disciplinary actions originate from inspections.
The inspector notes violations, and if the violations are serious enough, the facility can be closed as an immediate threat to public health. This makes it very clear what needs to be done to bring the establishment into compliance. It is important to understand that facilities named in disciplinary actions are not ones that slip up and have a few minor things wrong at the time the inspector visits the establishment. In both cases of immediate closure, the licensee is given an Administrative Complaint, which begins the administrative disciplinary process separate and distinct from the closure. When violations not constituting grounds for immediate closure are noted, the food service establishment is advised in writing to correct them.