Food Manufacturer Compliance Guide for Orlando Businesses

Orlando Food Manufacturer Licensing & DBPR Requirements

All food manufacturers in Orlando must obtain a Food Service License from the Florida DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants. The application requires a completed application form, proof of food safety training (typically ServSafe Food Handler or equivalent), facility blueprints showing designated areas for raw and ready-to-eat products, and hazard analysis documentation. Processing facilities must also register with the FDA as a Food Facility (Form FDA 3537) and comply with Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) standards under 21 CFR Part 117. Orange County Health Department conducts initial inspections to verify facility compliance before licensing approval, and licensing must be renewed annually.

Orange County Health Department Inspection Process & Standards

The Orange County Health Department conducts routine, unannounced inspections of food manufacturing facilities at least annually, with high-risk operations inspected more frequently. Inspectors evaluate HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plans, temperature control procedures, employee hygiene practices, cleaning and sanitization protocols, and traceability documentation. Critical violations—such as inadequate pathogen controls, pest contamination, or allergen cross-contact—result in immediate corrective action orders or temporary closure. The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requires manufacturers to implement preventive controls, maintain detailed records, and establish supplier verification programs.

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