Catering Business Permit Requirements in Miami, FL

Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in Miami, Miami-Dade County, Florida.

Updated 2026-03-13 6 stops $600–$1,500 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all local and state licenses, pass inspection, and complete certifications
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Florida

3 stops

  1. Florida DBPR — Division of Hotels and Restaurants Catering License

    Catering-only businesses in Florida must be licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Hotels and Restaurants, under Ch. 509, F.S. Food must be stored and prepared in an approved, licensed kitchen, and the operation must pass a sanitation and safety inspection. An already-licensed public food service establishment (or licensed mobile food dispensing vehicle) may provide catering without a separate catering license. Annual renewal required.

    Official government source

    $263/year (half-year $136.50) + $50 application fee for new establishments2–4 weeks

  2. Certified Food Manager — Florida Food Handler Certificate

    Every DBPR-licensed food service establishment must have at least one certified food protection manager (ANSI-CFP accredited exam), and a certified manager must be present whenever four or more employees are engaged in food storage, preparation, or service. Managers must become certified within 30 days of employment (Rule 61C-4.023, F.A.C.). All other food service employees must receive food safety training (s. 509.049, F.S.); DBPR accepts ANSI-CFP accredited manager certification programs.

    Official government source

    $80–$150 (exam + course)1–2 days

  3. Florida Sales Tax

    Catering services in Florida are subject to state sales tax (6%) plus the Miami-Dade County surtax (1%), for a total of 7%. Register with the Florida Department of Revenue for a Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Registration.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

City of Miami / Miami-Dade County

2 stops

  1. Miami-Dade DERM — Public Food Service Establishment License

    Caterers operating in Miami-Dade County must obtain a Public Food Service Establishment license from Miami-Dade County's Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER) Environmental Resources Management Division. A pre-opening inspection is required. Caterers must operate from or use a licensed commissary kitchen. Contact Miami-Dade RER at 305-372-6700.

    $280–$700 annually (based on seating capacity and establishment type)2–6 weeks (application, plan review, and inspection)

  2. Miami-Dade Local Business Tax Receipt

    Required for all businesses operating in unincorporated Miami-Dade County. Obtain from the Miami-Dade Tax Collector. If operating within Miami city limits, obtain a City of Miami Business Tax Receipt from the City of Miami Planning and Zoning Department.

    Official government source

    $50–$250 annually1–2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $600–$1,500 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all local and state licenses, pass inspection, and complete certifications

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Official Sources

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