Education

Rights

Both restaurant owners and employees have rights and protections. Here are some important aspects of their rights and protections:

Rights and Protections for Restaurant Owners:

Business Freedom:
Restaurant owners have the right to independently operate and manage their restaurant business, including setting policies, menus, prices, and hiring employees.

Contract Protection:
Restaurant owners are protected by contract laws in their dealings with suppliers, employees, and lease agreements.

Employee Management Rights:
Restaurant owners have the right to hire, terminate, and manage their restaurant employees while complying with applicable labor laws and employment regulations.

Controlling Restaurant Operating Costs:
Florida allows restaurant owners to pay lower cash wages to tipped employees, as permitted by federal law, with the understanding that tips received by employees will make up the difference to meet the minimum wage requirement.

Rights and Protections for Restaurant Employees:

Minimum Wage:
Florida has established a minimum wage standard to ensure that employees receive fair compensation. As of September 30, 2022, the minimum wage is $11.00 per hour.

Hours of Work and Overtime Pay:
Employees have the right to reasonable working hours and overtime pay. Overtime pay should be provided for work beyond 40 hours per week at a rate of 1.5 times the regular wage.

Safety and Health Protection:
Employees have the right to a safe and healthy work environment. It is the responsibility of the restaurant owner to ensure employee safety, provide necessary training and equipment, and prevent accidents and occupational illnesses.

Prohibition of Discrimination:
Employees have the right to equal and fair treatment, free from discrimination based on race, gender, religion, nationality, age, or disability. Florida’s anti-discrimination laws protect employees from any form of employment discrimination.

Union Rights:
Under Florida labor laws, employees have the right to participate in unions and collective bargaining to protect their interests and rights.

Rights and Protections for Tipped Employees:

Minimum Wage Standards:
Florida has established minimum wage standards to ensure that tipped employees receive fair compensation. As of September 30, 2021, the tipped minimum wage in Florida is $5.63 per hour. If the combined amount of tips and cash wages does not reach the minimum wage, the employer is required to make up the difference.

Fair Tip Pooling:
Florida allows reasonable tip pooling among tipped employees, involving sharing tips among the entire team or designated employees. However, it is important to ensure that tip pooling arrangements are fair and compliant with relevant laws.

Prohibition of Tip Misappropriation:
Florida prohibits employers or managers from misappropriating, withholding, or using employee tips.

Prohibition of Discrimination:
Tipped employees have the right to equal treatment and protection against discrimination based on race, gender, religion, nationality, age, or disability.

Recruitment

Recruitment is a crucial process for finding and selecting qualified individuals to join your team in the restaurant and foodservice industry. At the Association and the Educational Foundation, we recognize the challenges and importance of recruiting top talent. We provide valuable resources and support to help streamline your recruitment efforts. Through our network and industry partnerships, we connect you with a diverse pool of candidates who are passionate about the industry and seeking new opportunities. Our educational programs and training initiatives also play a vital role in attracting talent by showcasing the growth and development opportunities available in the industry.

Moreover, we offer guidance on effective recruitment strategies, such as crafting compelling job descriptions, leveraging online platforms, and conducting thorough interviews. We can also assist you in creating an attractive company culture, offering competitive compensation packages, and implementing retention strategies to ensure long-term employee satisfaction.

By utilizing our resources and expertise, you can enhance your recruitment process and attract the best candidates to join your team. Together, we can build a talented and dedicated workforce that contributes to the success and growth of your restaurant or foodservice establishment.

Health and Safety Regulations:

Florida has enacted laws and regulations to ensure that restaurants comply with hygiene and food safety standards. These regulations include:

 

  • Food Handling and Storage: Regulations require restaurants to properly handle and store food to prevent bacterial contamination. This includes adhering to proper food temperature controls, appropriate food storage methods, and avoiding cross-contamination.
  • Restaurant Facilities: Restaurants must meet hygiene and safety requirements for their facilities. This includes maintaining clean restrooms, providing adequate handwashing facilities, and ensuring the cleanliness and safety of kitchen equipment.
  • Employee Hygiene and Health: Employees are required to maintain good personal hygiene practices, such as handwashing, wearing appropriate work attire, and hair coverings. Additionally, employees may be required to temporarily suspend work when they have infectious diseases.

Restaurant Licensing:

Restaurants in Florida are required to obtain valid operating licenses (restaurant licenses) to conduct business. These licenses are typically issued by local health departments or food safety agencies. Restaurants need to meet a set of requirements, such as compliance with facility regulations, food safety training, proper food handling, and storage, etc., to obtain and maintain their restaurant license.

Health Inspections:

Florida mandates regular health inspections for restaurants. Health departments or relevant agencies conduct routine inspections to ensure compliance with hygiene and food safety standards. Inspections may cover areas such as food storage and handling, facility cleanliness, employee hygiene, and health. If violations are found, actions may be taken to require the restaurant to address the issues.