How to Apply for a Food Handler Certificate in Miami-Dade County, FL

If you work in a restaurant, café, food truck, or catering business in Miami-Dade County, you’re required by Florida law to complete a state-approved food safety training course. Once completed, you’ll receive a valid Food Handler Certificate—your official proof of food safety knowledge and legal compliance.

This guide explains how to apply for a Food Handler Certificate in Miami-Dade County, who is required to have it, and how to get started online for just $7.95.

Who Needs a Food Handler Certificate in Miami-Dade County?

Under Florida law, all food workers must complete a food handler training program approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

This requirement applies to:

Line cooks and prep cooks
Dishwashers, bussers, and food runners
Servers and bartenders
Hosts or hostesses who handle food or utensils
Cafeteria staff in schools, hospitals, or long-term care facilities
Food truck or mobile food unit workers

Employees must complete the food handler training within 60 days of starting employment. Health inspectors will verify completion during routine inspections.

Is the Food Handler Certificate Approved in Miami-Dade?

Yes. The AAA Food Handler program is:

Approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
Accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)
Accepted in every Florida county, including Miami-Dade

After completing the training and passing the Food Handler exam, you will immediately receive a Food Handler Certificate that employers and health inspectors across the state accept.

How to Apply for a Food Handler Certificate

The process for obtaining your Food Handler Certificate is entirely online, mobile-friendly, and takes approximately 90 minutes.

Step 1: Register Online

Visit aaafoodhandler.com and choose the Florida Food Handler Certificate course. The course is available in English and Spanish.

Step 2: Complete the Training

The training takes just 1.5 hours to complete and is 100% self-paced. You can start, pause, and resume any time.

Step 3: Pass the Food Handler Exam

The final test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. A passing score is 70% or higher. You have two attempts to pass the food handler exam at no extra cost.

Step 4: Download the Food Handler Certificate

After passing the food handler exam, you will be able to immediately download and print your Food Handler Certificate for employer records or inspection purposes.

What Topics Are Covered in the Food Handler Training?

AAA Food Handler’s course covers all required topics to meet Florida food safety standards:

Prevention of foodborne illnesses
Proper handwashing and personal hygiene
Cross-contamination and allergen awareness
Cleaning and sanitizing procedures
Time and temperature control
Safe food storage and labeling practices

Each section includes review questions to help reinforce learning before the food handler exam.

Course Features at a Glance

Approved for all Florida counties
Accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)
Available in both English and Spanish
100% online and mobile-friendly
Self-paced—complete in 1.5 hours
$7.95 total cost
Includes two attempts at the food handler exam
Instant download of your food handler certificate after passing

What Happens If I Don’t Pass the Food Handler Exam?

If you do not pass the food handler exam on your first attempt, you may retake it a second time for free. Most learners pass on the first or second try thanks to the built-in review materials included with the AAA Food Handler course.

How Long Is the Food Handler Certificate Valid?

The Florida Food Handler Certificate does not have a mandated expiration date at the state level. However, many employers recommend retaking the training every 2 to 3 years to stay up to date. You can retake the training through AAA Food Handler at any time.

Can Employers Manage Multiple Food Handler Certificates?

Yes. AAA Food Handler provides tools for employers in Miami-Dade to:

Purchase multiple courses for employees
Assign food handler training and track progress
Monitor exam results
Download employee food handler certificates for internal records

These tools help employers remain compliant with food safety laws while managing staff efficiently.

Why Choose AAA Food Handler?

AAA Food Handler is trusted by national brands such as:

McDonald’s
Olive Garden
Panera Bread
Panda Express
Maestros Restaurants
Instawork

Reasons food industry professionals choose AAA Food Handler:

Approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)
Fully online and available 24/7
Instant access to the food handler certificate after exam completion
English and Spanish options
Satisfaction and Price Match Guarantee

Where Can I Find Official Food Safety Regulations for Florida?

For the most accurate and updated food safety information in Miami-Dade County, refer to:

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Division of Hotels and Restaurants
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1011
📞 Phone: 850-487-1395
📧 Email: dhr.info@myfloridalicense.com
🌐 Website: www.myfloridalicense.com

Final Thoughts

Earning your Food Handler Certificate is a simple, affordable way to stay compliant and protect public health. Whether you’re new to foodservice or managing a team, the AAA Food Handler course gives you the tools to succeed.

With instant access, 24/7 availability, and approval from Florida’s regulatory authorities, there’s no better way to meet your food safety training requirements.