Florida Business Enterprises Program
Do you want to manage your own business? If you are legally blind and a United States citizen, you might want to consider Business Enterprise as your career choice.
About the Business Enterprise Program
Florida's Business Enterprises Program is authorized by the Randolph-Sheppard Act (P.L. 74-732, as amended by P.L. 83-565 and P.L. 93-516; 20 U.S.C. section 107 et seq.). It provides persons who are blind with remunerative employment and self-support through the operation of vending facilities on Federal and other property. The program, enacted into law in 1936, was intended to enhance employment opportunities for trained, licensed blind persons to operate facilities.
At the outset, many stands were placed in the lobbies of Federal office buildings and post offices. The law was subsequently amended in 1954 and again in 1974 to ultimately ensure individuals who are blind a "priority" in the operation of vending facilities, which include cafeterias, snack bars, and automatic vending machines, on Federal property. Florida broadened the Federal Randolph Sheppard Act with its own version.
Blind licensees, under the Little Randolph Sheppard Act (FS 413.051) gives the first opportunity to participate in the operation of vending stands on all state properties acquired after July 1, 1979, when such facilities are operated under the supervision of the Florida Division of Blind Services of the Department of Education.
Eligibility Requirements
To be licensed as a Food Service Manager in Florida:
- You must be legally blind,
- Be at least 18 years of age,
- Be a United States citizen,
- Have high school diploma or GED,
- Successfully, complete Business Enterprises Training and Licensing requirements.
Individuals who do not meet these requirements are not eligible for the program.
Those who successfully complete training may apply for licensing as a food service manager through the Business Enterprises Program (BEP). Once licensed, you must bid on specific business opportunities.
- You compete with other candidates for a specific food service business opportunity.
- You're selected based on your skills, performance and experience.
- You are contracted by the State an independent contractor to serve as the Division's agent to operate the specific facility.
Training
Business Enterprises Program (BEP) and Daytona Beach Community College provide training for this program. The on-campus portion of the training program lasts 12 weeks and is followed by a six month work experience in an actual, BEP facility. Read more about Training at the Orientation and Adjustment Center, Daytona Beach, Florida
Florida Business Enterprises Program
Providing Tools and Support for the Blind and Visually Impaired in the Food Service Business