On February 26, 2024 the Division of Hotels and Restaurants received a Petition for an Emergency Variance for Subparagraph 61C-1.004(2)(a), Florida Administrative Code, Paragraph 61C-4.010(7) Florida Administrative Code ....

 

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION

Division of Hotels and Restaurants

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

61C-4.010Sanitation and Safety Requirements

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants hereby gives notice: On February 26, 2024 the Division of Hotels and Restaurants received a Petition for an Emergency Variance for paragraph 61C-1.004(2)(a), Florida Administrative Code, subsection 61C-4.010(7) Florida Administrative Code and subsection 61C-4.010(6), Florida Administrative Code, and Section 6-40.11. 2017 FDA Food Code from Agave Bandido Lakewood Ranch LLC located in Sarasota. The above referenced F.A.C. addresses the requirement that at least one accessible bathroom be provided for use by customers and employees. They are requesting to utilize bathrooms located on a different level.

The Petition for this variance was published in Vol. 50/40 on February 27, 2024. The Order for this Petition was signed and approved 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 bathrooms located on the first floor level are maintained in a clean and sanitary manner and are provided with hot and cold running water under pressure, soap, approved hand drying devices, handwash sign and are available during all hours of operation. The Petitioner shall also ensure that directional signage is installed in the main restaurant area clearly stating the location of the bathrooms.

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.