On February 27, 2024 the Division of Hotels and Restaurants received a Petition for an Emergency Variance for Subparagraph 61C-1.004(1)(a), Florida Administrative Code and Paragraph 5-202.11(A), 2017 FDA Food Code from Sea ....

 

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION

Division of Hotels and Restaurants

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

61C-1.004General Sanitation and Safety Requirements

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants hereby gives notice: On February 27, 2024 the Division of Hotels and Restaurants received a Petition for an Emergency Variance for paragraph 61C-1.004(1)(a), Florida Administrative Code and Paragraph 5-202.11(A), 2017 FDA Food Code from Sea Grill LLC located in Tarpon Springs. The above referenced F.A.C. addresses the requirement that each establishment have an approved plumbing system installed to transport potable water and wastewater. They are requesting to utilize holding tanks to provide potable water and to collect wastewater at the handwash.

The Petition for this variance was published in Vol. 50/41 on February 28, 2024. The Order for this Petition was signed and approved on March 19, 2024, after a complete review of the variance request, the Division finds that the application of this Rule will create a financial hardship to the food service establishment. Furthermore, the Division finds that the Petitioner meets the burden of demonstrating that the underlying statute has been achieved by the Petitioner ensuring the wastewater holding tank for the handwash sink is emptied at a frequency as to not create a sanitary nuisance; and potable water provided must come from an approved source and be protected from contamination during handling. The Petitioner shall also ensure that the handwash sinks are provided with hot and cold running water under pressure, soap, an approved hand drying device and a handwashing sign.

A copy of the Order or additional information may be obtained by contacting: [e-mail], Division of Hotels and Restaurants, 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1011.