Florida Food Handler Card: A Comprehensive Guide

A food handler card — also known as a food handler certificate, license, or permit — proves that you have completed a food safety course.

Because unsafe food handling is a leading cause of foodborne illness, many states and counties require food workers to earn a food handler card before or within a certain period of employment.

However, you may wonder whether Florida or any of its counties require a food handler card to work at a food establishment.

This article explains everything you need to know about a Florida food handler card, including whether you need one, how to earn one, and more.

Do you need a food handler card in Florida?

Neither Florida nor any of its counties require a food handler card to work at a food establishment.

However, Florida requires that the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) or the person in charge provide annual training to employees under their supervision on various food safety topics (1).

These topics include:

safe methods of thawing, cooking, cooling, handling, holding, and storing foods
safe methods of food service
proper cleaning and sanitization methods
proper insect and vermin control methods

This training must be provided by March 31 of each year.

Employees hired after this day must receive the food safety training within 30 days of hire.

The manager or person in charge must keep record of this training for each employee and maintain the record for three years.

Food establishments that fall under this requirement include:

bars and lounges
food trucks or other mobile food units
resaturants
markets
convenience stores

Nursing homes and other healthcare facilities as well as schools must also follow this rule.

Summary

While Florida does not require food handler training, it requires the manager or person in charge to provide food safety training annually to employees under their supervision.

How to get a Florida food handler card?

Florida does not require a food handler card, but many food establishments rely on the training to meet the state’s annual food safety training requirement.

To earn a Florida food handler card, enroll with a valid online food handler training provider.

Then, complete the course content — which covers the topics Florida requires — and pass a test.

The number of questions and the passing score varies by training provider, but you can usually expect around 40 questions and a passing score of 70%.

If you don’t pass the first time, most food handler training programs allow one free retake.

Once you earn your Florida food handler card, it belongs to you and not your employer, meaning you can take it with you if you change jobs.

Summary

To earn a Florida food handler card, enroll with a valid online training provider, complete the course content, and pass the test.

How long does a Florida food handler card last?

A Florida food handler card generally last three years from the date you earn it.

However, if you’re taking the food handler training to meet Florida’s food safety training requirements, you’ll need to renew it every year.

To renew your Florida food handler card, you must complete another valid food handler training program.

It’s best practice to keep a copy of your Florida food handler card on you while working — whether a physical copy or saved on your phone.

You should also provide your manager with a copy so they can show health inspectors that your training is current is valid.

If you lose your food handler card, you can download or print another copy from the training provider’s website.

Summary

A Florida food handler card is generally good for three years from the date you earn it. However, you must renew it annually to meet Florida’s food safety training requirements for food handlers.