Food Service Establishments

Department of Health

Responsible for public and private schools, assisted living facilities, civic and fraternal organizations, detention facilities, bars and lounges that do not prepare food, and theaters with limited food service items.

Services Provided

The Environmental Public Health Division of the Polk County Health Department permits and inspects more than 400 facilities in the county that prepare and serve food. All aspects of the facility’s operation are examined, including personnel and equipment. Extra attention is paid to safe handling, preparation, and storage of food. The environmental specialists use the routine inspections as an opportunity to teach and train food service workers in safe food preparation, handling, and storage techniques. The division works closely with other state agencies involved in food safety. Our environmental specialists will conduct joint inspections with these agencies in any facility involved in a potential foodborne illness outbreak.

Who to Contact

For the facility types listed above, contact the Department of Health in Polk County:

Address: 2090 E. Clower St. Bartow, FL 33830

Phone: 863-519-8330 

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday

Other State Food Agencies

The following six agencies have various responsibilities for proper food handling practices in Florida:

Department of Business and Professional Regulation: Responsible for most restaurants located in Florida.

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Responsible for most grocery and retail stores.

Agency for Health Care Administration: Responsible for hospitals and nursing homes.

Department of Children and Families: Responsible for childcare centers.

Agency for Persons with Disabilities: Responsible for group homes that serve persons with disabilities.