Orlando, Florida, October 1, 2025
News Summary
Eight eateries across Central Florida were temporarily closed following health inspections that uncovered serious violations, including the presence of rodents and cockroaches. The closures, enforced by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, affected cities such as Orlando, Cocoa, and Daytona Beach. After addressing the issues, all restaurants were allowed to reopen within a few days. This action was part of ongoing efforts to ensure public health and safety in food service establishments throughout the region.
Orlando — Eight eateries in Central Florida were temporarily closed after health inspections from September 22 to September 28, 2025. The closures were enforced by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) after inspections uncovered multiple health violations, officials reported.
What happened
The inspections found problems that included rodents, cockroaches, time/temperature problems, and other health violations at these restaurants. The establishments affected were ordered closed to allow owners and managers to correct the violations. All eight restaurants were allowed to reopen within a few days after addressing the violations.
Where it occurred
The cities affected by the closures include Cocoa, Daytona Beach, Haines City, New Smyrna Beach, Ocala, Orlando, and Palm Bay. Inspections took place across this Central Florida area during the specified September inspection period.
Immediate follow-up and compliance
Following the initial closure orders, health officials conducted follow-up inspections to verify corrective actions. In both shutdown instances, the health departments conducted follow-up visits that confirmed compliance with health standards. After verification, each of the eight locations was permitted to resume operations.
Context and related incidents
This September shutdown followed an earlier closure event in the region. This incident follows a previous shutdown of over a dozen Central Florida restaurants due to similar health concerns, occurring between July 28 and August 3, 2025. The earlier shutdowns involved comparable problems. The earlier violations included cockroaches, food storage issues, and rodent droppings, with all shut restaurants allowing to reopen after rectifying the matters.
Role of the DBPR and inspection process
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) enforces state rules for food service operations and carries out inspections that can result in warnings, notices of violation, or temporary closures when immediate public-health risks are identified. Time and temperature controls, pest control, and proper food storage are common areas reviewed during routine and complaint-driven inspections.
Public health implications
Health violations involving pests and improper temperature control increase the risk of foodborne illness. Temporary closures are intended to remove immediate hazards, require correction of unsafe conditions, and provide the public with assurance that businesses meet minimum health standards before reopening.
Source and reporting
The information comes from health inspection records provided by the Florida DBPR. The current report was published on October 1, 2025, by Anthony Talcott.
What to expect next
Customers concerned about a specific restaurant can check public inspection records maintained by the DBPR for the latest inspection results and any follow-up actions. Establishments that reopen after closures remain subject to further inspections and enforcement if noncompliance is found again.
FAQ
Q: How many restaurants were closed in this incident?
A: Eight eateries in Central Florida were temporarily closed after health inspections from September 22 to September 28, 2025.
Q: Who enforced the closures?
A: The closures were enforced by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
Q: What violations were found?
A: Inspections revealed issues with rodents, cockroaches, time/temperature problems, and other health violations at these restaurants.
Q: Did the restaurants reopen?
A: All eight restaurants were allowed to reopen within a few days after addressing the violations.
Q: Which cities were affected?
A: The cities affected by the closures include Cocoa, Daytona Beach, Haines City, New Smyrna Beach, Ocala, Orlando, and Palm Bay.
Q: Has this happened before recently?
A: This incident follows a previous shutdown of over a dozen Central Florida restaurants due to similar health concerns, occurring between July 28 and August 3, 2025.
Q: What were the earlier violations?
A: The earlier violations included cockroaches, food storage issues, and rodent droppings, with all shut restaurants allowing to reopen after rectifying the matters.
Q: Were follow-up inspections completed?
A: In both shutdown instances, the health departments conducted follow-up visits that confirmed compliance with health standards.
Q: Where did this information come from?
A: The information comes from health inspection records provided by the Florida DBPR. The current report was published on October 1, 2025, by Anthony Talcott.
Simple chart: Key features of the September 22–28, 2025 inspections
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of eateries closed | 8 |
| Inspection dates | September 22 to September 28, 2025 |
| Enforcing agency | Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) |
| Main violations found | Rodents, cockroaches, time/temperature problems, other health violations |
| Cities affected | Cocoa; Daytona Beach; Haines City; New Smyrna Beach; Ocala; Orlando; Palm Bay |
| Reopen timeline | All eight allowed to reopen within a few days after addressing violations |
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Additional Resources
- Click Orlando: Restaurant Closures Over Health Concerns
- Orlando Weekly: Restaurant and Bar Closures in 2025
- WFTV: Keke’s Restaurant Closures in Orlando
- Orlando Sentinel: Central Florida Restaurants Shut Down
- Fox 35 Orlando: Soco Thorton Park Closes
- Wikipedia: Food Safety
- Google Search: Health Regulations Restaurants Florida
- Google Scholar: Restaurant Inspections Florida
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant Health Inspectors
- 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.
