How much is a catering license in Florida?

$263 a year, or $136.50 for a half year.

Does my restaurant need a separate catering license?

No. DBPR says any licensed public food service establishment may cater without a separate catering license.

Can I cater from my home kitchen in Florida?

No. DBPR says you may not conduct food operations in a private residence.

Can two caterers share one licensed kitchen?

Yes. If DBPR licenses the kitchen, no plan review is needed, but each business needs its own license (form HR-7035, by mail). If FDACS permits the kitchen, like a bakery or grocery, plan review is needed. If the Department of Health permits it, like a school or bar, the Department of Health is in charge.

Florida catering license cost: $263 a year (DBPR)

A Florida catering license from DBPR costs $263 a year. A half-year license is $136.50. Do you have a DBPR restaurant license? Then you can cater with it. You don't need a second license.

Source: DBPR food service fees (checked Oct 19, 2026); DBPR guide to catering (checked Oct 19, 2026)

Last checked Oct 19, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with the agency.

Florida catering fees

Catering license, full year$263
Source: DBPR food service fees (checked Oct 19, 2026)
Catering license, half year$136.50
Source: DBPR food service fees (checked Oct 19, 2026)

What counts as catering

Food made in a licensed kitchen and served at another place, like your customer's event.Source: DBPR guide to catering (checked Oct 19, 2026)
DBPR says: "You may not conduct food operations in a private residence".Source: DBPR guide to catering (checked Oct 19, 2026)

Do restaurants need a separate catering license?

No. DBPR says: "Any licensed public food service establishment may also provide catering services without holding a separate catering license".Source: DBPR guide to catering (checked Oct 19, 2026)
This covers both Seating and Non-Seating licenses.Source: DBPR guide to catering (checked Oct 19, 2026)

How to get a catering license

Make a DBPR online account. Do plan review if it is required. Apply and pay. Then pass the licensing inspection.Source: DBPR guide to catering (checked Oct 19, 2026)
Sharing a kitchen licensed by DBPR needs no plan review. But DBPR says "each independent business needs a separate license" (form HR-7035, by mail).Source: DBPR guide to catering (checked Oct 19, 2026)
Sharing a kitchen with an FDACS permit, like a bakery, grocery or coffee shop, does need plan review.Source: DBPR guide to catering (checked Oct 19, 2026)
If the kitchen has a Department of Health permit, like a school or bar, the Department of Health is in charge.Source: DBPR guide to catering (checked Oct 19, 2026)

Common questions

How much is a catering license in Florida?: $263 a year, or $136.50 for a half year.Source: DBPR food service fees (checked Oct 19, 2026)
Does my restaurant need a separate catering license?: No. DBPR says any licensed public food service establishment may cater without a separate catering license.Source: DBPR guide to catering (checked Oct 19, 2026)
Can I cater from my home kitchen in Florida?: No. DBPR says you may not conduct food operations in a private residence.Source: DBPR guide to catering (checked Oct 19, 2026)
Can two caterers share one licensed kitchen?: Yes. If DBPR licenses the kitchen, no plan review is needed, but each business needs its own license (form HR-7035, by mail). If FDACS permits the kitchen, like a bakery or grocery, plan review is needed. If the Department of Health permits it, like a school or bar, the Department of Health is in charge.Source: DBPR guide to catering (checked Oct 19, 2026)

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