Food Manager Certification in Miami-Dade County: Who Needs It and How to Get It

If you’re managing a restaurant, café, or food service operation in Miami-Dade County, Florida, holding a valid Food Manager Certification in Miami-Dade County is not optional—it’s required by law. Whether you operate a food truck, lead a grocery deli, or supervise a resort kitchen, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) requires at least one certified food manager per establishment.

This guide outlines who needs the Food Manager Certification, how to earn it online, what’s included in the training and exam, and how to stay compliant with Florida regulations.

Who Needs a Food Manager Certification in Miami-Dade County?

Any food establishment licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) must have at least one employee who holds a valid Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification. This requirement applies to:

Restaurants and cafés
Grocery stores with food preparation areas
Food trucks and mobile vendors
School and hospital cafeterias
Caterers and commissary kitchens
Hotel, resort, and event venues

A Certified Food Protection Manager must be present or immediately available whenever four or more employees are engaged in preparing, storing, or serving food. New food managers must complete the Food Manager Certification process within 30 days of being hired.

What Is a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM)?

A Certified Food Protection Manager is someone who has passed a food safety exam that is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and approved by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP).

This Food Manager Certification confirms that the person understands:

How to prevent foodborne illnesses
Proper hygiene and sanitation practices
Safe food temperature controls
Methods to avoid cross-contamination and allergen exposure
Food safety compliance in daily operations

What Are the Certification Requirements in Florida?

According to the Florida DBPR, the following requirements apply in Miami-Dade County:

Certification Required: Yes
Acceptable Programs: Must be accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)
Time to Certify: Within 30 days of hire
Validity Period: 5 years
Renewal: Certification must be renewed by retaking and passing the ANAB-accredited exam
Training Hours: Not mandated by the state
Presence Rule: A Certified Food Protection Manager must be available when four or more food employees are working

How Can You Get the Food Manager Certification Online?

AAA Food Handler offers several flexible online packages to help you meet the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) requirements:

Gold Package – $99.95

Includes the online training course, ANAB-accredited Food Manager Certification exam, 10 review sections and instant certificate download upon passing.

Diamond Package – $119.95

Same as the Gold Package, but includes a guaranteed free retest if all training sections and practice tests are completed before the first attempt.

Exam Only – $69.95

Best for experienced professionals who don’t need training. Includes the ANAB-accredited exam.

Training Only – $49.95

Includes access to all training materials and a training completion certificate. Does not include the certification exam.

All options are available in English and Spanish, accessible 24/7, and fully mobile-friendly.

What Does the Training Course Include?

The online Food Manager training course from AAA Food Handler covers:

Foodborne illness prevention and safety
Time and temperature controls
Personal hygiene and handwashing procedures
Cross-contamination prevention and allergen safety
Cleaning, sanitizing, and equipment protocols
Inspection preparation and manager responsibilities
Food safety rules based on the 2017 FDA Model Food Code

The course is self-paced and typically takes 4 hours to complete.

What Is the Format of the Food Manager Certification Exam?

The exam included with your Food Manager Certification package features:

80 multiple-choice questions
2-hour completion time
70% passing score requirement
One free retest included with some packages
Instant digital certificate issued upon passing

The exam is ANAB-accredited and accepted statewide in Florida, including Miami-Dade County.

Is the Food Manager Certification Accepted in Healthcare and Dietary Settings?

Yes. The Food Manager Certification from AAA Food Handler is accepted in facilities that fall under CFR § 483.60, which outlines federal food safety requirements for healthcare and senior care settings. This includes:

Hospitals
Nursing homes
Assisted living facilities
Rehabilitation centers

It is also suitable for food professionals working in long-term care or transitioning toward foodservice management roles in healthcare environments.

Does AAA Food Handler Offer Group Options?

Yes. For businesses managing multiple locations or staff, AAA Food Handler offers:

Bulk license purchasing
Training and exam assignment tools
Progress tracking dashboards
Bulk certificate downloads for inspections
Discounts for 30 or more users

These group tools are ideal for HR teams, franchise owners, and regional managers looking to maintain compliance efficiently.

Why Choose AAA Food Handler for Your Certification?

AAA Food Handler is trusted nationwide and widely accepted across Florida. Benefits include:

ANAB-accredited exams accepted by the Florida DBPR
Self-paced, mobile-friendly training
Courses available in English and Spanish
Immediate certificate access upon passing
Price Match and Satisfaction Guarantees
Trusted by brands like Chick-fil-A, Blaze Pizza, Cheesecake Factory, Marriott, and Universal Studios

Whether you’re a single-location restaurant or a multi-unit chain, AAA Food Handler offers everything you need to become a Certified Food Protection Manager in Miami-Dade County.

Official Contact for Florida Food Safety Regulations

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Division of Hotels and Restaurants
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
Phone: 850-487-1395
Email: dhr.info@myfloridalicense.com
Website: www.myfloridalicense.com