Orlando Florida, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Health inspectors temporarily closed six restaurants in Central Florida between August 18 and 24 after discovering serious health violations including cockroaches and rodent droppings. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) oversaw these inspections, which highlighted issues such as improper food storage and pest activity. Following corrective measures and successful follow-up inspections, all establishments were allowed to reopen. The closures serve as a reminder of the importance of regular health inspections to maintain food safety standards.
Orlando, Fla. — Six Central Florida restaurants were temporarily closed by health inspectors between Aug. 18 and Aug. 24, 2025 after violations that included cockroaches, rodent droppings and problems with food storage. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) conducted the inspections, and all six establishments were allowed to reopen after passing follow-up inspections.
What happened
During the one-week period, DBPR health inspectors issued temporary closures to six restaurants in the Orlando area and nearby communities after discovering conditions that posed risks to food safety and public health. Reported violations ranged from evidence of pest activity to improper storage and handling of food items. Each restaurant closed voluntarily or by order until corrective actions were completed and verified in follow-up inspections.
Inspection findings and outcomes
Primary health issues
- Pest activity: Cockroaches were documented in multiple inspections, and rodent droppings were found in at least one facility.
- Food storage violations: Food stored at incorrect temperatures or in ways that raised contamination concerns.
- Other violations: A range of additional health code breaches were cited that required immediate correction.
Enforcement and reopening
Inspectors required remediation steps appropriate to each violation, such as professional pest control, deep-cleaning, correcting storage and temperature controls, and staff retraining on safe food handling. After inspectors verified fixes during follow-up visits, all six establishments were cleared to resume service. No further enforcement actions were reported in the inspection records for this period.
Why this matters
Temporary closures are a mechanism regulators use to address serious health risks quickly and protect diners. The actions taken by DBPR during the Aug. 18–24 inspections removed immediate hazards and ensured that facilities met minimum safety standards before reopening. Regular inspections and prompt follow-up help reduce the likelihood of foodborne illness and maintain public confidence in restaurant safety.
Context and trend
These closures are part of a broader pattern seen earlier in the summer, when other restaurants in the region faced similar health violations. Public health officials and regulatory agencies have emphasized that recurring issues such as pest control and proper food storage are common drivers of enforcement. Inspectors note that persistent problems often reflect gaps in ongoing maintenance, staff training, or facility infrastructure that require sustained attention.
What restaurants and customers should know
- Inspections are routine and unannounced; records of closures and follow-up results are maintained by state regulators.
- Restaurants are expected to correct violations promptly to protect customers and to comply with state health codes.
- Customers concerned about a specific location can consult state inspection records or contact regulators to learn the current status of a facility.
Next steps for regulators and businesses
Regulators will continue scheduled and complaint-driven inspections. Businesses are encouraged to maintain pest-control contracts, monitor refrigeration and storage, and train staff regularly on hygiene and food safety. Continued compliance reduces the risk of closures and safeguards public health.
FAQ
Q: How many restaurants were closed and for what period?
A: Six Central Florida restaurants were temporarily closed following inspections conducted between Aug. 18 and Aug. 24, 2025.
Q: Who carried out the inspections?
A: The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) conducted the inspections and follow-up visits.
Q: What types of violations led to closures?
A: Inspections cited pest activity including cockroaches and rodent droppings, food storage violations, and other health-code breaches that posed immediate risks.
Q: Were the restaurants allowed to reopen?
A: Yes. After corrective steps were taken and verified in follow-up inspections, all six restaurants were permitted to reopen.
Q: What can customers do if they’re concerned about a restaurant’s safety?
A: Customers can review public inspection records or contact state health regulators to check a facility’s inspection history and current status.
Simple chart: Key features of the Aug. 18–24, 2025 inspections
| Feature | Details | Count / Status |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants closed | Temporarily closed after inspections | 6 |
| Date range | Inspections and closures recorded | Aug. 18–24, 2025 |
| Main violations | Cockroaches, rodent droppings, improper food storage, others | Multiple |
| Inspecting agency | State-level inspection and enforcement | DBPR |
| Reopening status | Allowed to reopen after follow-up inspections | All 6 reopened |
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Additional Resources
- Orlando Sentinel: 5 Central Florida Restaurants Shut Down Last Week
- Click Orlando: 6 Central Florida Restaurants Shut Down Over Health Concerns
- Click Orlando: These Central Florida Restaurants Closed Last Week
- MSN: Lake and Seminole Counties Had Restaurants Shut Down Last Week
- Wikipedia: Food Safety
- Orlando Sentinel: Steakhouse is Lone Central Florida Restaurant to Shut Down Last Week
- Click Orlando: These Central Florida Restaurants Were Shut Down Over Health Issues Last Week
- Orlando Sentinel: 5 Central Florida Restaurants Shut Down Last Week
- Click Orlando: These 8 Central Florida Restaurants Were Forced to Close Over Health Concerns
- Google Search: Food Safety Inspections
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.
