Consistent with our recommendations, the Division of Hotels and Restaurants has improved its operations and is making progress toward completing the food and lodging inspections required by law. Although not yet achieving full statutory compliance, overall inspections have increased significantly since our last review. These increases are due to the Legislature appropriating the division more staff as well as to improvements in division technology. However, if the division cannot eventually achieve long-term statutory compliance, it may need to pursue revenue-generating options identified in our prior report and use such funds to hire more inspectors.
As we recommended, the division also has improved its sanctioning process, which has boosted productivity and provided better disclosure to food and lodging establishments. In addition, the division enhanced its website to improve its usefulness for Florida consumers. Lastly, per our recommendation, the division adopted two new performance measures that better reflect its core mission.

State's Food Safety Programs Have Improved Performance and Financial Self-Sufficiency
Report 10-44 June 2010
State Food Safety Programs Should Improve Performance and Financial Self-Sufficiency
Report 08-67 December 2008
Privatization Has Helped Improve Elevator Safety; Additional State Oversight Is Needed
Report 08-18 April 2008
Division of Hotels and Restaurants Improves Operations But Not Meeting Inspection Goals
Report 05-51 November 2005

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.