Florida inspection changes: Restaurant industry applauding business-friendly changes

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The restaurant industry is applauding business-friendly changes in Florida's inspection process.

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association president and CEO Carol Dover said the changes going into effect on Jan. 1 will improve regulatory compliance.

The state Department of Business and Professional Regulation included Dover's comment Tuesday in a news release announcing the revisions that it is making in the state's Food Code.

The agency says the most business-friendly change will divide safety and sanitation violations into three categories: high priority, immediate and basic.

High priority violations are those that would contribute directly to a foodborne illness or injury such as deficiencies in cooking, reheating, cooling and hand-washing.

The new system is expected to be easier for restaurant managers as well as customers to understand.