Official Florida Commissary Letter Of Agreement Template

What is the Florida Commissary Letter of Agreement form used for?

The Florida Commissary Letter of Agreement form is a document required for mobile food establishments and packaged ice plants with self-vending units that use a commissary. It serves as part of the permit application process, verifying the mobile unit or packaged ice plant has access to an approved commissary for necessary operational activities like food storage, cooking, and waste disposal.

Who needs to sign the Commissary Letter of Agreement?

The owner of the mobile food establishment (MFE) or self-vending ice unit (SVIU) and the person in charge of the commissary must sign the agreement. This ensures both parties acknowledge and agree to the terms and responsibilities outlined in the document.

Where should this form be submitted?

The completed form should be given to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) inspector during field inspections and submitted as part of the permit application for the mobile food establishment or packaged ice plant self-vending unit.

What information is required from the mobile food establishment or self-vending ice unit?

The form requires detailed information about the MFE or SVIU, including the owner's name, phone number, mailing address, and the permit number, alongside certification of the information's accuracy.

What details must be provided about the commissary?

The agreement requires comprehensive details about the commissary, such as its name, address, phone number, email, commissary license or permit number, water supply, wastewater disposal method, and the specific activities it will support for the MFE or SVIU.

Can additional commissaries be used?

Yes, if more than one commissary will be utilized, the agreement form accommodates this by allowing for additional pages to detail each commissary's information as needed.

What happens if the information provided changes?

It is critical to notify FDACS of any changes to the information provided in the form to ensure compliance and continued approval of the mobile food establishment or self-vending unit’s permit.

What are the implications of signing the agreement?

By signing the agreement, the signees allow FDACS food inspectors access to the business during normal operating hours for evaluations. It also signifies the commissary and mobile unit's commitment to uphold the standards required by the FDACS.

Does the Commissary Letter of Agreement expire?

The agreement itself does not have a stated expiration date but should be updated or reviewed in conjunction with permit renewal for the mobile food establishment or packaged ice plant self-vending unit, or if operational circumstances change.

Who can I contact for more information or if I have issues filling out the form?

For further assistance or inquiries regarding the Commissary Letter of Agreement form, you can contact the FDACS Division of Food Safety at (850) 245-5520. Their team can provide guidance and answer any questions related to the form and its requirements.

When filling out the Florida Commissary Letter of Agreement form, people often make several common mistakes, which can lead to delays or issues with the application. Ensuring accuracy and completeness when completing this document is crucial for the smooth processing of the application. Here are five such mistakes:

1. Not thoroughly reviewing the form for accuracy before submission: Every piece of information provided on the form needs to be correct to avoid any delays. This includes double-checking the owner's information, the commissary's details, and ensuring all activities are accurately reflected. Neglecting this step can lead to unnecessary back-and-forth with officials.

2. Leaving sections incomplete: Some individuals skip certain sections they may deem irrelevant or they might overlook. However, filling out every applicable section is essential. Incomplete forms can be perceived as negligence or as an attempt to withhold information, leading to possible rejection.

3. Failing to specify "Other" activities: When indicating "Yes" to other activities not listed on the form, some folks forget to describe what these activities are. Specifying what these entail provides clarity and helps inspectors understand the full scope of operations at the commissary.

4. Incorrectly identifying the department by which the commissary is licensed: It's crucial to check the correct department that has licensed the commissary, whether it's the Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Department of Health, or if it's not licensed by any. Mistaking this can lead to misrepresentation and complications during the verification process.

5. Omitting contact information details: Some applicants might not include the area code with the phone number or the full zip code (+4 optional). Though it might seem minor, having complete contact information is necessary for any required follow-up, ensuring a smoother communication process.

By avoiding these mistakes, the process of submitting a Florida Commissary Letter of Agreement form can be more straightforward and successful. Taking the time to review and ensure all information is correctly provided and comprehensive can significantly impact the ease of obtaining permits for mobile food establishments or self-vending ice units.

When operating a mobile food establishment or a self-vending ice unit in Florida, a Commissary Letter of Agreement is a critical document, evidencing a formal arrangement with a commissary for crucial services like food storage and wastewater disposal. However, this document is just one component of a broader dossier necessary for regulatory compliance and successful operation. Here's an overview of additional forms and documents frequently required alongside the Florida Commissary Letter of Agreement.

1. Food Establishment Permit Application: This form is essential for securing the legal right to operate a food service business in Florida, detailing the establishment's specifics and the owner's intention to adhere to public health standards.
2. Mobile Food Vendor License: Specific to mobile food operators, this license demonstrates compliance with local vending laws.
3. Vehicle Inspection Form: A documented review of the food establishment's vehicle to ensure it meets all health and safety standards for the storage and preparation of food.
4. Food Safety Certification: Proof that the operator has completed a food safety course, showing understanding of safe food handling practices.
5. Water and Sewage Disposal Agreement: For units without built-in water or sewage systems, this document outlines the plan for disposing of wastewater and procuring potable water, crucial for health inspections.
6. Proof of Insurance: Documentation of liability insurance covering the business, a necessary safeguard against legal and financial risks.
7. Menu and Ingredient List: An overview of food items to be sold, including ingredients, helpful for ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and consumer protection.
8. Temporary Food Service Event Permit: Required for mobile food units operating at special events or temporary gatherings, outlining the event's specifics and the unit's participation.
9. Zoning and Land Use Permits: These documents verify that the business operation is in compliance with local land use and zoning laws, key for businesses operating in multiple locations.
10. Employee Health Policy: A declaration of the establishment's protocol for handling employee health, crucial for preventing foodborne illnesses.

Each document plays a vital role in the regulatory landscape governing mobile food establishments and self-vending ice units in Florida. Together, they form a comprehensive framework ensuring that businesses operate safely, transparently, and in compliance with health standards. It's critical for business owners to maintain an organized record of these documents, regularly reviewing and updating them as needed to align with evolving regulations and business practices.

The Florida Commissary Letter of Agreement is a specialized document, but it shares similarities with several other types of agreements and forms due to its purpose, structure, and the kind of information it requires. Here are seven documents that bear resemblance to it:

• Food Service Establishment Permit Application: Much like the Commissary Letter of Agreement, this application is used by food service establishments to obtain the necessary permits to operate. Both documents require detailed information about the business, including ownership, location, and operational details, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
• Mobile Vendor Permit Application: Mobile vendors, including food trucks and carts, must fill out these applications to operate legally. Similar to the Commissary Letter of Agreement, the mobile vendor application often asks for details about the vehicle, including its source of water and waste disposal, which ensures the mobile unit meets health department guidelines.
• Health Department Commissary Agreement: This agreement, typically between a mobile food vendor and a commissary, is specifically designed to outline how the commissary provides essential services to the vendor, such as food storage, waste disposal, and water supply. It resembles the Florida document in its focus on health and safety regulations and the relationship between mobile entities and their supporting facilities.
• Business License Application: Businesses need to apply for licenses to legally operate, and these applications often require detailed information about the business, similar to the Commissary Letter of Agreement. Information such as business owner details, business address, and the nature of the business are commonly shared across both documents.
• Water and Sewage Utility Service Agreement: Such agreements are typically between a business and the local utility company, specifying the provision of water and sewage services. Similar to the section in the Commissary Letter of Agreement that deals with water supply and wastewater disposal, these utility agreements ensure that the business has the necessary infrastructure to operate in a sanitary manner.
• Commercial Lease Agreements for Food Businesses: These lease agreements often detail the use of property for food-related business activities, including stipulations similar to those found in the Commissary Letter of Agreement, such as usage of the premises for cooking, storage, and waste management, to ensure the property meets food service needs.
• Vendor Agreement for Events: This type of agreement is used when food vendors participate in events, detailing terms related to operations, food safety, and facility usage. Similar to the Commissary Letter of Agreement, it includes provisions for sanitation, food handling, and compliance with local health regulations to secure a safe food service environment at the event.

When filling out the Florida Commissary Letter of Agreement form, it is essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure the process is completed correctly and efficiently. Below are lists of things you should and shouldn't do during this process.

Do:

1. Review the form in its entirety before beginning to fill it out. This ensures understanding of all required information.

2. Provide accurate and up-to-date information, especially for the contact details of the mobile food establishment (MFE) or self-vending ice unit (SVIU) owner and the primary commissary.

3. Check the appropriate boxes that accurately describe the activities intended at the commissary, such as dish or equipment washing, food storage, or cooking and reheating food.

4. Ensure that the person in charge of the commissary, as well as the MFE or SVIU owner, signs and dates the form where specified.

5. Keep a copy of the form for personal records before handing it to the FDACS inspector or submitting it with the necessary permit application.

Don't:

1. Leave any required sections blank. If a particular section does not apply, consider noting it as N/A (Not Applicable) instead of leaving it blank.

2. Use outdated contact details or information that may change in the near future without notifying the relevant authorities of such changes.

3. Guess on specifics such as permit numbers or commissary activities. Verify such details accurately before filling them in.

4. Sign the form without reviewing all provided information for accuracy and completeness. Mistakes can delay the permit process.

5. Forget to indicate whether additional commissaries are used. If more space is needed, attach additional pages clearly marked and referenced to the original application.

Adhering to these dos and don'ts will streamline the application process for a mobile food establishment permit or a package ice plant self-vending permit, ensuring compliance with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Food Safety requirements.

There are several misconceptions about the Florida Commissary Letter of Agreement form that necessitate clarification:

1. Many believe that only mobile food establishments need to submit this form. However, it is also required for self-vending ice unit operations.

2. It's a common misconception that submission of the form alone guarantees permit approval. In reality, permit approval is contingent upon verification of an approved commissary.

3. Some think that the form is optional. This document is mandatory for the specified permit applications.

4. There is a misconception that any commissary can be used. The form requires information on a primary commissary that must meet specific regulatory approvals.

5. Several people assume the commissary's water and wastewater systems do not need to be disclosed. The form specifically requests this information to ensure food safety practices.

6. A common error is overlooking the necessity to list the activities performed at the commissary. Detailing these activities is essential to illustrate compliance with health and safety standards.

7. Owners often misinterpret their responsibilities, thinking once the form is submitted, no further action is required on their part. Signing the form grants FDACS inspectors access to the business for further evaluations.

8. There's a false belief that digital signatures are acceptable. The form requires a handwritten signature to verify the authenticity of the information provided.

9. Some misconstrue that it is not necessary to update the form as long as the commissary details remain the same. Any changes in operations or facility use must be reported to keep the permit valid.

10. A final misunderstanding is that additional commissaries cannot be added after initial submission. If operations expand, using additional forms to include new commissaries is required and allowed.

It is vital for owners of mobile food establishments and self-vending ice units in Florida to understand these aspects of the Commissary Letter of Agreement form to ensure compliance and smooth operation of their businesses.

The Florida Commissary Letter of Agreement is an essential document for mobile food establishments or self-vending ice units in Florida, required for permit applications. Here are key takeaways about filling out and using this form:

• The form serves as part of the permit application process for mobile food establishments and self-vending ice unit operators, ensuring they have an approved commissary.
• It must be completed and submitted to a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) inspector in the field.
• Two main sections require detailed information: one about the mobile food establishment or self-vending ice unit, and the other about the primary commissary.
• The owner of the mobile food establishment or self-vending ice unit must provide their contact information, certify the accuracy of the information provided, and understand that the permit approval depends on commissary verification.
• Commissary information includes the name, address, phone number, and email, along with the commissary's license or permit number and the agency that issued it.
• The form requires details about the water supply and wastewater disposal methods used by the commissary.
• Operators must specify the activities that will be conducted at the commissary, such as food and equipment storage, wastewater dumping, food preparation activities, and more.
• Signing the form gives FDACS Food Inspectors permission to enter the business during normal operating hours for facility evaluation.
• If additional commissaries are used, the form allows for the inclusion of these details on separate pages as necessary.
• It is vital for ensuring that mobile food establishments and self-vending ice units comply with health and safety regulations regarding food preparation and storage.

Understanding and accurately completing the Florida Commissary Letter of Agreement form is crucial for mobile food establishment or self-vending ice unit operators to successfully navigate the permit application process and maintain compliance with state regulations.