Catering Business Permit Requirements in Orlando, FL

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

Verified 2026-08-28 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. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

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. Florida DBPR — Public Food Service (Catering) License

    Caterers operating in Orlando/Orange County must hold a state food service license from the Florida DBPR, Division of Hotels and Restaurants (catering license category). DBPR plan review and a licensing inspection are required, and caterers without their own licensed kitchen must operate from a licensed commissary. County agencies do not license caterers. Locally, city and county business tax receipts still apply.

    Official government source

    DBPR license fees vary by license type and district; see the DBPR Hotels and Restaurants licensing guide2–6 weeks

  2. Orange County — Local Business Tax Receipt

    All Orange County businesses must obtain an Orange County Business Tax Receipt from the Orange County Tax Collector. Businesses inside Orlando city limits must first obtain the City of Orlando Business Tax Receipt, then the county receipt — both are required.

    Official government source

    Varies by business classification; confirm with the Orange County Tax Collector, (407) 434-0312 (option 2)1–2 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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