Orlando, Florida, August 29, 2025
News Summary
Six restaurants in Central Florida were temporarily closed following inspections that revealed health violations, including pest infestations and improper food storage. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation conducted these inspections, and all establishments were permitted to reopen after successful follow-up inspections confirmed that violations had been corrected. This incident highlights ongoing challenges in restaurant compliance with health regulations amidst rising operational pressures.
Orlando — Six Central Florida restaurants were temporarily closed after health inspections conducted between August 18 and August 24, 2025, but all were permitted to reopen after passing follow-up inspections, according to reports from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
What happened
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) carried out routine and complaint-driven food safety inspections across Central Florida during the week of August 18–24, 2025. Six establishments were ordered to close temporarily because inspectors found conditions that posed an immediate threat to public health. The issues cited included cockroach infestations, improper food storage, rodent droppings in food-preparation areas, and other violations of state food-safety rules. Each of the six restaurants was allowed to reopen after passing required follow-up inspections that confirmed corrective actions had been completed.
Locations and oversight
The report named six restaurants with locations in Orlando, Palm Coast, St. Petersburg, and Tampa. The DBPR enforces state food-safety regulations and posts inspection reports after evaluations. Temporary closures occur when inspectors identify conditions that present an immediate risk, and reopening follows only after violations are corrected and verified during a follow-up inspection.
Types of violations cited
- Pest evidence: Cockroaches and rodent droppings were documented in multiple inspections, indicating breaches in pest control and sanitation.
- Food storage problems: Improper temperatures, cross-contamination risks, or inadequate separation of raw and ready-to-eat foods were among the storage-related violations noted.
- Other health-code violations: These included failures in cleanup, sanitation, or maintenance that contributed to environments unsafe for food handling.
Follow-up inspections and reopenings
After the temporary closures, DBPR inspectors revisited each property. The six establishments met the corrective requirements and were cleared to resume operations once inspectors confirmed violations had been addressed. Reopening typically requires documented corrective actions and on-site verification to ensure ongoing public safety.
Broader context and recent trends
This set of closures follows a similar cluster of temporary shutdowns from July 28 to August 3, 2025, when more than a dozen Central Florida restaurants were briefly closed for health violations. Those earlier closures affected locations in Altamonte Springs, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Longwood, Orlando, Tampa, Wildwood, and Zephyrhills. The repeat pattern points to continued enforcement activity by state regulators and highlights ongoing compliance challenges within the region.
Industry-wide pressures are affecting local restaurants alongside regulatory oversight. Operators continue to face rising food and operating costs, persistent staffing shortages, and lingering financial strain from the COVID-19 pandemic. These economic factors can make it harder for some establishments to maintain strict compliance with sanitation and maintenance practices.
Permanent closure amid pressures
Separately, Soco Thornton Park permanently closed on August 24, 2025, after nearly 11 years in business. The owners did not specify a single cause for the shutdown. The closure occurred in the same period of heightened industry strain, and the establishment’s management expressed appreciation for customer support and encouraged continued patronage of local independent businesses.
What this means for the public
Temporary closures following DBPR inspections are intended to protect public health by removing imminent hazards until corrections are made. Consumers can check recent inspection reports to review violations and follow-up outcomes when deciding where to dine. For restaurant operators, the incidents underscore the importance of strong pest-control plans, proper food storage practices, routine staff training, and timely facility maintenance to remain in compliance with state rules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which agency conducted the inspections?
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) conducted the inspections and issued reports on closures and reopenings.
Why were the restaurants closed?
Restaurants were temporarily closed because inspectors found conditions that posed immediate public health risks, including evidence of pests (cockroaches and rodent droppings), improper food storage, and other health-code violations.
Were the restaurants allowed to reopen?
Yes. Each of the six restaurants passed follow-up inspections after corrective actions were taken and were permitted to reopen.
Where were the affected restaurants located?
The report identified locations in Orlando, Palm Coast, St. Petersburg, and Tampa.
Is this part of a larger pattern?
Similar temporary closures occurred recently, from July 28 to August 3, 2025, affecting more than a dozen restaurants across Central Florida. The pattern highlights ongoing enforcement and compliance challenges in the region.
How can consumers check restaurant inspection results?
Consumers can review inspection reports published by the DBPR to see the details of violations and whether follow-up inspections cleared the establishment to reopen.
Quick HTML Chart: Key Features of Recent Restaurant Inspections
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Inspection period | August 18–24, 2025 |
| Agency | Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) |
| Number of temporary closures | Six (all later cleared to reopen) |
| Common violations | Cockroaches, rodent droppings, improper food storage, other health-code breaches |
| Locations mentioned | Orlando, Palm Coast, St. Petersburg, Tampa |
| Related recent activity | Earlier cluster of closures July 28–August 3, 2025 affecting 10+ restaurants across Central Florida |
| Notable permanent closure | Soco Thornton Park closed permanently on August 24, 2025 after nearly 11 years |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Thirteen Central Florida Restaurants Closed Due to Health Violations
Top Cajun Restaurants in Orlando Recognized for Excellence
New Japanese Restaurant Hoshi Hibachi & Sushi Coming to Orlando
Thirteen Central Florida Restaurants Temporarily Closed Due to Violations
Thirteen Restaurants Closed in Central Florida for Health Violations
Central Florida Restaurants Closed Due to Health Violations
Central Florida Restaurants Temporarily Closed Over Health Violations
Central Florida Restaurants Temporarily Closed Due to Health Violations
Central Florida Restaurants Closed Due to Health Violations
Restaurant Closures in Orlando Due to Health Violations
Additional Resources
- Click Orlando: Restaurant Closures August 2025
- Wikipedia: Food Safety
- WFTV: Keke’s Restaurant Closures
- Google Search: Restaurant Inspection Florida
- Orlando Weekly: Ceviche Tapas Bar Closes
- Google Scholar: Restaurant Safety Inspections
- Orlando Sentinel: Restaurant Shutdowns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- Click Orlando: Restaurant Closures July 2025
- Google News: Florida Restaurant Closures
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
