License to serve food

I live in a private community in Fl. of single family homes . We have a clubhouse with activites that serve food at events. The question is do we need a food handling license to serve food? It is a non profit , mens club, womens club, avtivites,etc...

Thanks, LaVerne Greenacres,fl

It is not a business is it? I would consult the health department or your city's license department. They would help clarify it for you. Normally a "pancake" dinner is regulated under different rules. Just find out from your locality on how that is handled.

Thank you all for your advice. I will check with City on this but for 33 years this has been going on and there has been no need for license to serve food in out clubhouse. But it only takes one resident to start something. Very Sad...

In our lawsuit happy society you need to make every effort to meet all the requirements you can. You didn't say how big your HOA is or if it is insured, but there may be someone out there that sees you as having deep pockets. Suggest you get the permit if you even come close to meeting the requirements, just my opinion.

Paul T

Has someone complained? If so, then the burden is on them to prove their point. Have them come to a meeting and present the rules they supposedly want you all to abide by. Anyone can say something and even sue for anything. Doesn't make them right and make them make the effort to find out if they are right or not. I'd say they need to present their facts and then the HOA will go confirm it.

Church's have dinners all the time. Many have their own kitchens. You may ask a church what rules they must follow and are they inspected? I know a few of them are because they are daycare services. Others are not because they don't continously serve. The HOA's situation may be very much similar to how a church kitchen would operate. They are non profits too and do much of the same activities when dealing with food. It's a good source to get some information.

Worse case this person can call the health department or call in a violation. That just means the WHOLE HOA including them will be responsible for paying the fine. So they can expect a possible raise in dues or a special assessment for paying off the fine if imposed. That may give them pause to think a bit. Plus as I always say...Suing your HOA is suing yourself and your neighbors...It's always best for the HOA to countersue...So make them the one to bring the proof and the suit...