Who inspects restaurants in Pembroke Pines?

The Florida Department of Health in Broward County performs routine and complaint inspections; the City oversees local licensing and may enforce code provisions.

What do I need to open a restaurant in Pembroke Pines?

You need a current Food Service Establishment Permit from the health department and a City of Pembroke Pines Business Tax Receipt; permits and fees are listed on the respective official pages.

How do I report a suspected food safety issue?

Report health concerns to the Florida Department of Health in Broward County using their environmental health complaint options; for local code issues contact the City of Pembroke Pines Code Enforcement.

Pembroke Pines Food Safety Inspection Rules

Public Health and Welfare Florida 3 Minutes Read · published February 21, 2026

Pembroke Pines, Florida requires restaurants to meet state and local standards for food safety; primary inspections and public reports are handled by the Florida Department of Health in Broward County Florida Department of Health - Broward^[1], while the City enforces local licensing and compliance through its business tax and code enforcement systems City of Pembroke Pines - Business Tax Receipts^[2]. The municipal code establishes local requirements and authority for inspections and corrective action; see the City Code of Ordinances for adopted provisions Pembroke Pines Code of Ordinances^[3].

Inspection scope & frequency

Inspections cover food handling, storage, temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, sanitation, employee hygiene, pest control, and facility maintenance. Frequency is typically routine (annual or semi-annual) and complaint-driven; exact schedules are set by the inspecting agency.

Inspections focus on critical violations that increase risk of foodborne illness.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement involves both the state/county public health authority and local city officials. The Department of Health inspects and posts violations, while Pembroke Pines requires valid local business tax receipts and may take administrative or code-enforcement action for noncompliance.

Fines: not specified on the cited page; see cited enforcement pages for exact amounts and schedules.^[3]
Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences are addressed by progressive enforcement measures; specific fine ranges or per-day penalties are not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: closure orders, suspension of operations, mandated corrective actions, seizure of unsafe food, and referral to court may be used by health or code authorities.
Enforcer and complaint pathway: public health inspections are performed by the Florida Department of Health in Broward County; local business licensing and code complaints go to the City of Pembroke Pines Business Tax/Code Enforcement office.^[1]
Appeal and review: appeal routes and time limits vary by enforcing agency; specific statutory appeal periods are not specified on the cited pages and must be confirmed with the enforcing office.
Defences/discretion: inspectors and code officers exercise discretion; permits, corrective plans, or variances may affect enforcement outcomes where authorized.

Seek written notice of violations and instructions to preserve appeal rights.

Applications & Forms

Food Service Establishment Permit: issued through the Florida Department of Health in Broward County; name and submission instructions are on the health department site.^[1]
City Business Tax Receipt (local business license): required for restaurants operating in Pembroke Pines; apply via the City of Pembroke Pines Business Tax Receipts page.^[2]
Fees: specific fee amounts and renewal deadlines are listed on the respective agency pages or forms; if a fee is not listed on the cited page, it is not specified on the cited page.

Action steps: register for or renew the local Business Tax Receipt; maintain a current Food Service Establishment Permit with the Florida Department of Health in Broward County; respond promptly to inspection reports and required corrections; document corrective actions and retain records.

Common violations

Improper temperature control of hot or cold foods (danger zone violations).
Poor employee hygiene and lack of handwashing facilities.
Cross-contamination from raw to ready-to-eat foods.
Pest infestations and unsanitary facility conditions.

Correct high-risk violations immediately to avoid closure orders.

FAQ

Who inspects restaurants in Pembroke Pines?: The Florida Department of Health in Broward County performs routine and complaint inspections; the City oversees local licensing and may enforce code provisions.^[1]
What do I need to open a restaurant in Pembroke Pines?: You need a current Food Service Establishment Permit from the health department and a City of Pembroke Pines Business Tax Receipt; permits and fees are listed on the respective official pages.^[1] ^[2]
How do I report a suspected food safety issue?: Report health concerns to the Florida Department of Health in Broward County using their environmental health complaint options; for local code issues contact the City of Pembroke Pines Code Enforcement.

How-To

Confirm required permits: verify a current Food Service Establishment Permit with the Florida Department of Health in Broward County and a City Business Tax Receipt.^[1]^[2]
Prepare for inspection: review common violation lists, train staff, and keep monitoring logs for temperatures and cleaning.
Respond to violations: implement corrective actions, retain documentation, and notify the inspecting agency when re-inspection is needed.
Appeal if necessary: request the enforcing agency's review or follow the appeal process shown on the enforcement notice.

Key Takeaways

Health inspections are led by the Florida Department of Health in Broward County; the City enforces local licensing.
Maintain valid permits and respond quickly to violations to avoid closure or penalties.
Use official complaint and contact channels listed below for reports and questions.