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Food Health Inspector Jobs in Miami, FL (NOW HIRING)

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Food Health Inspector information

See Miami, FL salary details

$23.4K

$52.5K

$94.7K

How much do food health inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for food health inspector in Miami, FL is $52,546.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,800.00 and $60,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a food health inspector typically collaborate with restaurant staff during inspections?

Food Health Inspectors work closely with restaurant staff to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. During inspections, they communicate openly with managers and kitchen staff, explaining regulations and observing food handling practices. Inspectors aim to educate staff about proper procedures, answer questions, and provide feedback to help prevent violations. Their approach is generally collaborative, focusing on improving food safety standards rather than simply penalizing non-compliance.

How do you become a food health inspector?

To become a food health inspector, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by postsecondary education in food safety, public health, or a related field. Many states require passing a certification exam and gaining experience through training or on-the-job learning; some inspectors also hold certifications from organizations like the International Food Safety Council.

What is the difference between Food Health Inspector vs Food Safety Specialist?

AspectFood Health InspectorFood Safety Specialist
Required CredentialsFood safety certifications, health department trainingFood safety certifications, sometimes additional industry-specific training
Work EnvironmentInspecting restaurants, food processing plants, public facilitiesDeveloping safety protocols, conducting training, analyzing food safety data
Employer & Industry UsageHealth departments, government agenciesFood companies, consulting firms, regulatory agencies

Food Health Inspectors primarily focus on inspecting food establishments to ensure compliance with health regulations, while Food Safety Specialists develop safety protocols and provide training to prevent foodborne illnesses. Both roles require similar certifications and often work within the food industry, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ.

How much do food health inspectors make in the US?

Food health inspectors in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, with higher earnings possible with experience, certifications, and in certain regions. Salaries can vary based on location, level of experience, and the specific agency or organization they work for.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food health inspector?

To thrive as a Food Health Inspector, you need knowledge of food safety regulations, inspection techniques, and a relevant degree in environmental health or a related field. Familiarity with inspection software, laboratory testing tools, and certifications such as the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) are typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to remain objective under pressure are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate inspections, regulatory compliance, and the protection of public health.

What is a food health inspector?

Food Health Inspectors, also known as food safety inspectors or sanitarians, are professionals responsible for ensuring that food establishments comply with health and safety regulations. They inspect restaurants, food processing plants, and other food-related businesses for cleanliness, proper food handling, storage practices, and sanitation standards. Their work helps prevent foodborne illnesses by identifying violations, educating staff, and enforcing corrective actions. Inspectors may also investigate complaints and respond to outbreaks of foodborne illness.

How hard is it to be a food health inspector?

Becoming a food health inspector requires completing relevant training, obtaining certifications such as food safety licenses, and passing a state or local exam. The job involves inspecting food establishments, enforcing health regulations, and often working irregular hours, which can be physically demanding and detail-oriented.
What are popular job titles related to Food Health Inspector jobs in Miami, FL? For Food Health Inspector jobs in Miami, FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Health Inspector jobs in Miami, FL look for? The top searched job categories for Food Health Inspector jobs in Miami, FL are:
What cities near Miami, FL are hiring for Food Health Inspector jobs? Cities near Miami, FL with the most Food Health Inspector job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Health Inspector job openings in Miami, FL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,546 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

SANITATION AND SAFETY SPECIALIST - 79011364

MyFlorida

Miami, FL • On-site

$1.7K/wk

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


State Of Florida rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 187 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 50 rated states


Job description

Requisition No: 877870 

Agency: Business and Professional Regulation

Working Title: SANITATION AND SAFETY SPECIALIST - 79011364

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 79011364 

Salary:  $1,788.53 Bi-weekly 

Posting Closing Date: 07/31/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

DIVISION OF HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS
Sanitation and Safety Specialist (Health Inspector)

Position Number: 79011364
Hiring Salary: $1,788.53 Bi-weekly

 

**Open Competitive Announcement**

 

***Applicants must complete all fields in the Candidate Profile.  Work history, hours worked, and formal education are required to qualify for this position.  Responses to Qualifying Questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile. Resumes and other documentation can be attached to provide additional information. ***

Our Organization and Mission

The Division of Hotels and Restaurants (H&R) licenses, inspects, and regulates public lodging and food service establishments in Florida under Chapter 509, Florida Statutes (FS). The division also licenses and regulates elevators, escalators and other vertical conveyance devices under Chapter 399, FS. The division's three bureaus - Sanitation and Safety Inspections, Licensing and Elevator Safety - comprise a team of approximately 358 personnel fulfilling the regulatory obligations of the division throughout the state.

Our Mission is to protect the health and safety of the public by providing the industry with quality inspections and fair regulation.

The Work You Will Do

This position is located with the Division of Hotels and Restaurants and conducts sanitation and safety inspections of hotels and restaurants and investigations of food-borne illness complaints.

  • Conducts inspection and inspection related activities. 
  • Conducts regulatory, standardized inspections of public food service establishments and lodging facilities for compliance with environmental health and sanitation regulations, and other safety or sanitation-related areas as deemed necessary.
  • Investigates food borne illness and environmental sanitary nuisance complaints and investigates and takes administrative action against unlicensed activity. Works with other city, county and state agency officials to secure compliance of state regulations.
  • Participates in the inspection and licensing of temporary events.
  • Conducts routine inspections on iPad and prepares accurate facility inspection reports relating to safety, sanitation and misrepresentation violations, daily activity reports, time sheets and travel reimbursement reports.
  • Prioritizes all assigned work according to department guidelines to insure compliance with state laws and rules.
  • Prepares and submits legal documents to secure compliance through administrative actions by following department guidelines and attends and testifies as needed in formal and informal hearings. Also delivers legal documents in person to facility operators to secure "Good Service" as required.
  • Communicates with the district office and supervisor as necessary or required.
  • Maintains Continuing Education Units, Certified Food Manager Certification, FDA standardization and Florida driver's license.
  • Maintains state issued equipment in proper working condition.
  • Participates in meetings and training sessions as required.
  • Provides a high standard of customer service.
  • Performs other work as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Knowledge of laws and rules pertaining to sanitation and safety inspections.
  • Experience in a variety of inspection activities.
  • Ability to work on a team and participate in team activities.
  • Ability to stand for long periods, bend, lift, climb, stoop, and carry work equipment.

Minimum Requirements

  • Valid driver license; and
  • Must be able to stand for long periods; bend, lift, climb, stoop, and carry work equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants with two or more years of *industry-related experience (food service and/or lodging experience).

Preference will be given to applicants with an Associate or higher degree in culinary or hospitality management.

 *Industry-related experience is considered to be hotel or restaurant management, restaurant or lodging operations, field or laboratory experience in environmental or public health, food sanitation or quality control. 

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

  • State of Florida retirement package: 3% employee contribution required.
  • Nine annual paid holidays and one personal holiday
  • Ability to earn up to 104 hours of paid annual leave annually as a new employee with the State of Florida
  • Ability to earn up to 104 hours of paid sick leave annually.
  • The State of Florida offers health insurance coverage (i.e. individual and family coverage) to eligible employees.
  • The State of Florida provides a $25,000 life insurance policy to eligible employees.
  • Additional supplemental insurance policies are available for dental, vision, hospital supplement, cancer, etc.
  • Tax deferred medical and childcare reimbursement accounts are available.
  • Tuition waiver program to attend an approved State of Florida College or University

For additional benefit information, please visit the following website: http://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com

Applicant Note If you are the selected candidate for this position and hold a current license through the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, you may be required to place your license in an inactive status.
NOTE This position requires a security background check, and participation in direct deposit. You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) and date of birth in order to conduct this background check.
Applicants are required to apply through the People First system by the closing date, by applying online.  All required documentation must be received by the closing date of the advertisement.  If you have any questions regarding your application, you may call 1-877-562-7287.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation is committed to increasing recruitment and hiring of individuals with disabilities and improving employment outcomes. 

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DBPR Human Resources (HR) Office at (850) 487-2074. DBPR requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
SPECIAL REMINDERS
Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS.  For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov 
If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation values the sacrifices veterans and their family members have given to our country and support the hiring of returning service members and military spouses.

A candidate for veterans' preference who believes he or she was not afforded employment preference may file a complaint in accordance with Rule 55A-7.016, F.A.C., with the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs, Veterans' Preference Coordinator, 11351 Ulmerton Road, Suite 311, Largo, FL, 33778. The Department of Veterans' Affairs has also established an email where people can electronically file claims or ask questions. The email is veteranspreference@fdva.state.fl.us.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation will only hire U. S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. Our agency participates in the E-Verify System which is a federal government electronic database available for employers to use to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans' Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement. 


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