Catering Business Permit Requirements in Orlando, FL

Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in Orlando, Orange County, Florida.

Updated 2026-03-13 6 stops $500–$1,300 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all local and state licenses and pass inspection
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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 must be licensed by DBPR, Division of Hotels and Restaurants, under Ch. 509, F.S. Food must be prepared in an approved, licensed kitchen and pass inspection. An already-licensed public food service establishment or MFDV may cater 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 Certification

    Every DBPR-licensed food service establishment must have at least one certified food protection manager (ANSI-CFP accredited exam, e.g., ServSafe), and a certified manager must be present whenever four or more employees are engaged in food storage, preparation, or service (Rule 61C-4.023, F.A.C.). Managers must become certified within 30 days of employment.

    Official government source

    $80–$1501–2 days

  3. Florida Sales Tax Registration

    Catering services are taxable in Florida. The combined rate in Orange County is 6.5% (6% state + 0.5% county). Register with the Florida Department of Revenue for a Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Registration.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

City of Orlando / Orange County

2 stops

  1. Orange County Environmental Health — Food Service Permit

    Caterers operating in Orange County (including Orlando) must obtain a Food Service Permit from Orange County Environmental Health. A pre-opening inspection is required. If operating from a commissary, the commissary must also hold a valid permit. Contact Orange County Environmental Health at 407-858-1497.

    Official government source

    $200–$500 annually (based on establishment type); pre-opening inspection fee included2–6 weeks

  2. Orange County — Local Business Tax Receipt

    Required for all businesses operating in unincorporated Orange County. Businesses within City of Orlando limits must also obtain a City of Orlando Local Business Tax Receipt.

    Official government source

    $30–$100 annually1–2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$1,300 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all local and state licenses and pass inspection

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Official Sources

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