FL Law: Licensing & Permits
Commercial kitchen plumbing requires a FL-licensed CFC plumber, FL Building permit, and FL Division of Hotels & Restaurants (DBPR) approval before opening. Grease traps must be sized per FL Rule 61C-1.004.
3-Compartment Sink Rule
FL DBPR (Rule 61C-4.010) requires a 3-compartment sink with hot/cold supply and indirect drain for all FL food service operations — this alone costs $800–2,500 installed and must be permitted.
FL DBPR Closure Risk
Plumbing violations are among the top 3 reasons FL restaurants receive closure orders. A failed backflow test or unserviced grease trap can trigger immediate suspension of your food service license. Violations are public record on FL's restaurant inspection database.
New Restaurant Checklist (FL)
Before your DBPR pre-opening inspection you need: (1) FL building permit issued + finaled for all plumbing, (2) grease trap serviced and pumping contract in place, (3) backflow preventer tested and certified, (4) all sinks installed per DBPR layout approval. Your CFC plumber should walk you through all four. A separate compliance checklist covers 12 items.
FL Commercial Plumbing Permits
All commercial kitchen plumbing requires a FL building permit. The process includes plan review (1–4 weeks), installation, and final inspection. Operating a commercial kitchen with open or uninspected permits is a DBPR violation.