Recent Department Improvements
Division of Hotels and Restaurants: 2009 Food Code
Effective January 1, 2013, the Division of Hotels and Restaurants adopted provisions of the 2009 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code. The updates encompass more efficient and smarter regulations which will improve the inspection process, ultimately allowing operators to better serve their customers.
For a copy of the entire 2009 Food Code, please click here.
One of the most important changes is a new three-tiered violation classification system that will replace the “critical” or “non-critical” classification. The new system uses the terms “High Priority,” “Intermediate” and “Basic” which will better define violation information for operators and consumers, making the whole process easier to understand.
High Priority food service violations are those which could contribute directly to a foodborne illness or injury. High Priority lodging violations are those which could pose a direct or significant threat to the public health, safety, or welfare.
Intermediate food service violations are those which, if not addressed, could lead to risk factors that contribute to foodborne illness or injury. Intermediate lodging violations are those which relate to specific actions, equipment or procedures that contribute to the occurrence of a high priority violation if left unaddressed.
Basic violations are those which are considered best practices to implement. To download a complete copy of the new food service violation classifications, please click here.
If you are a food service or hotel operator and have any additional questions, you may call 850-487-1395 or visit your local District Office. Local district office locations can be found here.
Florida Building Codes and Standards
The Florida Building Commission was transferred to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation on July 1, 2011. Prior to that, the Commission was housed under the Department of Community Affairs.
The Florida Building Commission (Sections 553.76 and 553.77, F.S.) is a 25-member technical body responsible for the development, maintenance and interpretation of the Florida Building Code through a consensus-building process. The Chair is appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate, and serves at the pleasure of the Governor. Other Commission members appointed by the Governor represent architects, engineers, contractors, building owners, insurance, public education, local governments, building and fire officials and persons with disabilities. The Commission also approves products for statewide acceptance and administers the Building Code Training Program.
The Florida Building Code (Section 553.73, F.S.) replaced Florida's patchwork of codes and regulations that were developed, amended, administered and enforced by more than 400 local jurisdictions and state agencies with building code regulation responsibilities. The current Code is a single statewide code based on national model codes and consensus standards, amended for Florida specific needs for the design and construction of buildings. The Code is designed to make the local building process more efficient, increase accountability, bring new and safer products to the market, increase consumer confidence, and better protect the residents of this natural-disaster prone state.
For more information on the Florida Building Codes and Standards, please visit here.
Division of Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics
The Division of Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics was transferred to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation on October 1, 2011. Prior to that, the Division was housed under the Department of Health.
The Division of Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics safeguards the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the state of Florida from injury due to the use of adulterated, contaminated, misbranded drugs, drug ingredients and cosmetics by administering the provisions of the Florida Drug and Cosmetic Act (Chapter 499, F.S.). The Program carries out its responsibilities through three bureaus: Compliance & Enforcement, Licensing and Legal.
The Division administratively supports the Cancer Drug Donation Program (CDDP). The CDDP was created during the 2006 Legislative Session with the passage of House Bill 371, which was sponsored by Representative Gayle Harrell. The purpose of the CDDP is to provide access to the drugs and supplies used to treat cancer to patients who are uninsured and do not qualify for Medicare, third-party insurance or any other state or federal programs. Section 499.029, F.S., authorizes the donation of cancer drugs and supplies by any person or entity to a participant facility for re-dispensing to an eligible recipient.
For more information on the Division of Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics, please visit here.
Read more about this topic: Florida Department Of Business And Professional Regulation
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