Broward County requires that any dealer who prepares, distributes, sells or exposes for sale any food represented to be Kosher or Kosher for Passover must obtain a Broward County Kosher Food License and follow the regulations of the Kosher Food Ordinance, as outlined in Chapter 20-165, Broward County Code of Ordinances.
This ordinance requires that the individual or business as described above must have a reasonable basis to believe the food is Kosher according to dietary restrictions, and will disclose the basis upon which that representation is made by posting a sign with bold, one-inch lettering in a clear and conspicuous place easily seen upon entrance to the place where the food is sold or prepared.
Broward County's application form for a Kosher Food License includes a disclosure form which establishes which products are and are not kosher; which products, equipment and facilities are under rabbinical supervision; and whether any products are non-kosher. The Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division regulates only whether statements made on the disclosure represent actual procedures in the establishment, and does not determine the religious legitimacy or acceptability of the establishment.
Note: To make inquiries about the status of an establishment's Kosher Food License or to file a complaint, call 954-765-4400, Option 8; fax 954-765-5199, or E-mail consumer@broward.org.
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New/Renew License
Applying for a Kosher Food License
Kosher Food Licenses expire on September 30th of each year.
You Must Provide the Following:
Explanations:
- Submit a completed application for Kosher Food License (PDF)
- The license fee is $200.00. It is payable by cash (in person only), check, credit card (PDF) (except American Express) or money order. Checks must be made payable to: Broward County Board of County Commissioners.
Please Note: The Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division regulates only whether statements made on the application's disclosure form represent actual procedures in this establishment, and does not determine the religious legitimacy or acceptability of the establishment.
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Enforcement
Kosher Food Ordinance Enforcement
Any person or entity that is operating in violation of Chapter 20-165 of the Broward County Code of Ordinances may be subject to civil penalties as provided by Chapter 8 1/2 of the Broward County Code of Ordinances, and penalties shall be imposed as set forth in the schedule of penalties therein.
Generally, where Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection inspectors find a business operating in violation of the regulations, they will issue a Notice of Violation to the person or entity, prior to the issuance of a citation. When issuing a Notice of Violation, the inspector shall set a reasonable time period within which the alleged violator must correct the violation. This determination shall be based on considerations of fairness, practicality, ease of correction, nature, extent and probability of danger or damage to the public or property, and any other relevant factor relating to the reasonableness of the time period prescribed. However, an inspector is not required to issue a notice of violation, and may immediately issue a citation to an alleged violator if there is reason to believe that the violation presents a serious threat to the public health, safety, or welfare, if the violation is irreparable or irreversible, or if the violation is a repeat violation.
Where a person or entity comes into compliance within the time period noted on the Notice of Violation, no further action will be taken. However, if a company continues to operate in violation of the ordinance, a citation may be issued. Violators may be subject to fines as outlined below:
Sec. 8 1/2-16. Schedule of civil penalties.
Kosher Food Sales Violations:
|
(1) Advertising without a Kosher Special Regulatory License (sec. 20-165(e)) |
$250.00 |
$500.00 |
|
(2) Operating without a Kosher Special Regulatory License (sec. 20-165(e)) |
250.00 |
500.00 |
|
(3) Failure to post a Kosher Food Disclosure sign (sec. 20-165(b)) |
250.00 |
500.00 |
|
(4) Failure to keep on the premises a Kosher Food Disclosure Form (sec. 20-165(b)) |
250.00 |
500.00 |
|
(5) Failure to file with the Consumer Protection Division a Kosher Food Disclosure Form (sec. 20-165(d)) |
250.00 |
500.00 |
|
(6) Failure to maintain records (sec. 20-165(d)) |
250.00 |
500.00 |
|
(7) Failure to produce records upon request from the Consumer Protection Division (sec. 20-165(d)) |
250.00 |
500.00 |
|
(8) Preparing, distributing, or offering for sale any food represented to be Kosher or Kosher for Passover without having a reasonable basis to believe that the food is Kosher according to dietary restrictions (sec. 20-165(c)) |
250.00 |
500.00 |
The Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division is also authorized to enforce the provisions of ordinance by administrative fines of up to five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each violation in accordance with the consumer protection code, division 1, section 20-159 et seq. Each day of a continuing violation shall be deemed a separate violation.
In addition to fines, the Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division is authorized to enforce the provisions of this ordinance by suspension or revocation of a license and registration upon notice and hearing. Further, whenever any person has engaged in any acts or practices which constitute violations of any provision of this ordinance or the code, the state attorney or the county attorney's office may make application to the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit for an order enjoining such acts or practices and for an order granting permanent injunction, restraining order, or other order enjoining such acts or practices, said orders to be granted without bond.
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