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Central Florida’s Restaurant Inspections Raise Concerns

Inspectors hard at work ensuring food safety in Central Florida restaurants.

News Summary

In May, Central Florida conducted 1,826 restaurant inspections, with only 236 passing without issues. Six restaurants closed due to severe health violations while others faced temperature control problems. Brevard County reported no closures but cited multiple violations. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation oversees these inspections, highlighting significant compliance challenges within the region’s restaurant industry.

Central Florida experienced a significant wave of restaurant inspections in May, with a total of 1,826 inspections conducted across the region. Alarmingly, only 236 restaurants passed their assessments without any noted issues, indicating a troubling trend in compliance with health regulations.

During the week of May 14, 2025, a total of six restaurants were forced to close their doors due to health violations. These establishments faced serious concerns such as the discovery of rodent droppings and infestations of cockroaches within their premises. Additional infractions included improper food storage, which raises significant health risks for customers.

The restaurants that were closed were located in several Central Florida cities, including Clearwater, Lakeland, Orlando, Tampa, and Winter Park. Each of these establishments underwent follow-up inspections after their temporary closures, all of which successfully passed and were subsequently allowed to reopen.

Brevard County Inspections

In contrast, Brevard County reported no emergency restaurant closures during the same week. However, inspections revealed that establishments in this area were primarily facing violations related to temperature control and issues with dish machines. Certain restaurants required follow-up inspections but were determined not to present an immediate threat to public health.

Specific Violations in Brevard County

Some of the notable violations included:

14 total violations, including 2 high-priority violations, at an establishment located at 2598 Palm Bay Road, Palm Bay.
6 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation, at 3095 Fell Road, West Melbourne.
5 total violations, including 2 high-priority violations, at 1181 Malabar Road, Palm Bay.

Inspection Process and Regulations

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation is responsible for conducting these regular restaurant inspections, while the Department of Health investigates outbreaks of food-borne illnesses. In Florida, there is no requirement for restaurant owners to display their inspection results prominently for customers to see.

When violations are found during inspections, a warning is issued with a specified deadline for correction. Should a pattern of repeat violations or serious conditions emerge, an administrative complaint may be filed against the establishment. Additionally, an emergency closure order can be enacted to safeguard the public’s health, safety, or welfare.

If a restaurant is closed or has its license suspended, a 24-hour follow-up inspection is mandated to determine whether the issues have been resolved. The stringent measures aim to ensure that diners are protected and that food establishments maintain acceptable health standards.

Conclusion

The stark findings from the May inspections underscore the challenges faced by restaurants in Central Florida regarding compliance with health and safety regulations. With a mere 13% of inspected establishments passing without issues, ensuring public health safety remains a pressing concern for both regulatory authorities and restaurant operators within the region.