Florida Food Handler Certification

Does Florida Require Food Handler Training?

Section 509.049 of the Florida Administrative Code states that food workers need to complete a food safety training certificate program.

Your training should include concepts emphasized by the Florida Food Safety and Sanitation Program, such as:

• Proper handwashing protocols
• Safe methods for thawing, cooking, cooling, holding, and storing foods
• Handling techniques to avoid contamination
• Safe cleaning and sanitizing methods
• Causes and symptoms of foodborne illnesses
• Proper insect and pest control
• And more

We also always recommend double-checking with your city, county, or employer to ensure you comply with local regulations.

When do I need to complete food handler training? 

According to the Florida Administrative Code, you need to complete your food handler training course within 60 days after employment. 

How quickly will I get my certificate of completion?  

Once you finish your course and pass any required exams, you can print your certificate of completion right away.    

Can I take an online course to get my food handler certification?

Yes, and online food handler courses are quick and convenient. You can take the course from any device and at your own pace.

Our food handler certification course at Learn2Serve by 360training, follows the highest training standards in the industry and is approved in the state of Florida through our partnership with Environ Health Associates, Inc.

How long does a Florida food handlers permit last?

Regular refreshers are the key to compliance, which is why renewing your Florida food handler permit is required every 3 years. 

Why should I take Florida food handler training?

Food managers in Florida are responsible for ensuring their employees comply with food safety regulations.  If you're certified in food handling, prospective employers know hiring you is a smarter bet than someone who isn't.  Food handler training makes you more employable.

More importantly, food safety regulations exist because food handlers play an enormous role in public health. For example, an estimated 70% of reported food poisoning (norovirus) outbreaks can be traced back to contagious food handlers, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Florida has its share of foodborne illness. In 2017, the CDC reported a total of 65 foodborne disease outbreaks in Florida. That's similar to the 66 outbreaks reported in 2016 but lower than the 73 reported in 2015.

This course will help you understand what can lead to contamination of food, the proper flow of food in a kitchen, and how to clean food and food-contact surfaces. By requiring employers to have all employees obtain a food handling certificate, establishments can demonstrate that food workers are following food safety principles and are aware of the proper environment for food preparation.

Completion of food training helps improve personal hygiene while working, and can also help employees recognize and respond to allergic reactions to keep customers safe.

Ultimately, we want the number of outbreaks to keep going down. If you practice what you learn in food handler training, you can help make that happen.

How Do I Get a Food Handler Card in Florida?

Acquiring a food handler card in Florida is quick and easy. Just complete a short training course and instantly print your certificate of completion.

Take a copy of your certificate to your employer or local health authority as proof of training. We also recommend you keep one for your files. Enroll now to get your food handler card in Florida!

How much is a food handlers card in Florida?

You can find our affordably food handlers certificate price above.

Do servers need food handlers card in Florida?

In Florida, you must have your Florida food handler card. Complete our course today to get your license!

What jobs can I get in Florida with my food handler license?

In Florida, you can work at a variety of establishments if you have your food handler card. Some examples include:

• Restaurants with table service
• Fast food and counter-service establishments
• Coffee shops, bakeries, and delis
• Catering services
• Grocery stores
• And many more

And within each establishment there are numerous jobs because the food and beverage industry in Florida is growing extremely fast.

According to the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA), in 2019 there were 1,096,000 restaurant and food service jobs, which translates to 12% of total employment. More importantly, that number is projected to grow 14.1% by the year 2029. That's nearly triple the average national job growth (5%).

If you’re looking to get a job in the food and beverage industry in Florida, here are some good options, along with how much money you can expect to make based on wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Another thing to note is that you’ll need your Florida food handler card to get any of these jobs. And if you already have it before you apply, you’ll be way ahead of the competition!

Where can I find more information about food safety in Florida?

Florida Department of Health: The state's Food Safety and Sanitation Program is housed in the DOH.  You can view specific hygiene codes and standards here.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: The FDACS has great food safety resources, including information on foodborne illnesses and product recalls.

Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulations: You can find all the licensing information you need from the DBPR's Division of Hotels and Restaurants.

When does my course expire? 

Your course will expire one (1) year after you purchase it (the date you submit payment), unless the course itself indicates otherwise. 

For more information about course expiration dates, please read our Terms of Use. 

What if I need a refund for my course? 

If for some reason you are not happy and would like a refund, send us a request within 72 hours of purchase. Here are the eligibility requirements you must meet: 

• Your purchase was made no more than 72 hours prior to your refund request. 
• You have NOT: 
  • Attempted any portion of a test or exam. 
  • Requested or been issued a certificate of completion. 
  • Completed 50% or more of the purchased course. 

If you meet all of these criteria, submit your refund request in writing via email to support@360training.com with a proof-of-purchase receipt and an explanation for why you are requesting a refund. 

You can find more information about our refund policy here. 

What can I do if I lose my certificate of completion?  

If you lose your certificate of completion and need a new one, you can refer to this link for assistance: https://www.360training.com/knowledge-base/general/certificate-and-credit-reporting-solutions/where-do-i-find-my-certificate

For further help, you can contact customer service at support@360training.com.