BIG BASS GRILL AND LAKEFRONT RESORT
965 CR 439, Lake Panasoffkee FL 33538 · 352.793.8150
Last inspected Mar 24, 2026 · 9 visits since July 2023
JAN 25
MAY 25
SEP 25
FEB 26
MAR 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 2 live flies in dry storage shed
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
3 cases · $2,500
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2023022169 | Apr 6, 2023 | Jul 6, 2023 | $1,100 |
| 3--2022059594 | Sep 1, 2022 | May 19, 2023 | $800 |
| 3--2021052086 | Sep 16, 2021 | Feb 20, 2023 | $600 |
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Mar 24, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation (Partial)
Met inspection standards. 1 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 1 finding
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Expired 2/1/2026
Mar 3, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Expired 2/1/26
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards soiled in cook line area
Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler in cook line area ambient temperature 54F
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Multiple coolers in cook line and prep area soiled including shelves and gaskets
Feb 25, 2026Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 13 recorded, 6 high priority.
6 High priority3 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Employee entered cook line area through kitchen door and placed gloves on without hand wash
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Expired 2/1/26
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken stored over raw alligator in glass door vertical cooler. Operator corrected shelves.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Swiss cheese (51F - Cold Holding); American cheese (53F - Cold Holding); cut lettuce (51F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (55F - Cold Holding); sausages (55F - Cold Holding); boiled eggs (53F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese mix (51F - Cold Holding); heavy cream (52F - Cold Holding)
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach in cooler in cook line area to the right of the stream tables. 54F ambient temperature, employee states items have been in cooler since 9am, no documented temperature monitoring. See stop sale. Swiss cheese (51F - Cold Holding); American cheese (53F - Cold Holding); cut lettuce (51F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (55F - Cold Holding); sausages (55F - Cold Holding); boiled eggs (53F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese mix (51F - Cold Holding); heavy cream (52F - Cold Holding)
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Degreaser stored on prep table shelf. Operator removed.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards soiled in cook line area
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand wash sink in cook line area blocked with trash can and pitcher stored in sink. Employee removed items.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Yellow chemical in spray bottle on prep table shelf. Operator labeled degreaser.
Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler in cook line area ambient temperature 54F
Food stored on floor. Bag of flour and case of lemon juice in dry storage area. Operator moved to shelf.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Sides of fryers and hood filters have grease build up
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Multiple coolers in cook line and prep area soiled including shelves and gaskets
Sep 2, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards soiled with black mold like substance in ware washing area.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Operator marked smoked fish dip on menus during the inspection.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Food stored on floor. Employee removed bag of potato off floor of walk in cooler.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. In walk in freezer.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Employee turned water on fish in standing water in sink.
May 20, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 7 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee used personal phone and proceeded to reach for a clean plate to store customer's cooked food without washing hands. Reviewed proper handwashing procedures. Employee washed hands correctly.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Salad Station-; Sliced Cheese (57F - Cold Holding); Shredded Cheese (56F - Cold Holding) Per Manager food items in unit less than 4 hours. Items not prepared or portioned today. Manager moved to a different reach in cooler to quick chill.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit Prep Table-; Cooked Potatoes (115-117F - Hot Holding) Per Manager food item stored on prep table less than 2 hours. Observed item stored at room temperature. Manager reheated.
Raw or undercooked oysters offered and establishment has no consumer advisory sign provided on wall, menu, placard, table tent or by any other written means. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Sign provided to operator.
Ceiling tiles and vents soiled with accumulated grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls and ceiling.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Kitchen walls soiled.
Jan 31, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Establishment operating with changed menu and/or increased seating without septic system approval for such change. Operator has interagency form from 11/2021 and seating change evaluation from 7/2022 that is only approved for 155 seats. The establishment currently has 194 seats. Submitted seating change evaluation to district office. Operator removed seats from premises. 155 seats at recheck.
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. 2 storage sheds at the back of the property storing dry storage items, 2 chest freezers, 2 vertical reach in freezers, 1 vertical reach in cooler. Sheds are connected via a boarded up breeze way, the entrance has a garage style roll up door with screening and a screen door in front of entrance. Dressing cooler across from bar in dining room. Reviewed with J. Cohee in plan review who stated they have received plans and are currently under review. Approved plans will be reviewed by inspector at next routine inspection.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Angel
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. 149 outside 45 inside. Operator removed seats from premises. 155 seats total at recheck
Establishment increased seating without providing written approval from the local fire authority and wastewater provider. 149 outside 45 inside. Operator removed seats from premises. 155 seats total at recheck
Wall not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, warewashing areas or bathroom. Walls is dry storage room constructed of unsealed wood with gaps between each board. Room is enclosed in building with no exterior walls leading outside having gaps.
Jan 29, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 17 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority4 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Employee exited kitchen area, then enter kitchen again and placed gloves on without hand wash.
Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee wiped hands on pants, touched clean equipment without hand wash.
Establishment operating with changed menu and/or increased seating without septic system approval for such change. Operator has interagency form from 11/2021 and seating change evaluation from 7/2022 that is only approved for 155 seats. The establishment currently has 194 seats. Submitted seating change evaluation to district office. Operator removed seats from premises. 155 seats at recheck.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Employee touched freezer door handle soiled with flour from breading raw fish, then touched deli paper to place in basket for ready to eat food.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In 2 drawer reach in cooler under grill. Employee stated cooler was unplugged and just recently plugged back in. Employee stated they took temperatures at 11am and all items were below 41F. Operator moved items to freezer to rapidly chill. grouper (58F - Cold Holding); shucked oysters (58F - Cold Holding); grouper fingers (59F - Cold Holding); raw steak (58F - Cold Holding); raw gator (58F - Cold Holding); shrimp (49F - Cold Holding); raw burgers (48F - Cold Holding)
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Pitcher in hand wash sink in cook line area Soda gun in bar area hung into hand wash sink
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. 2 storage sheds at the back of the property storing dry storage items, 2 chest freezers, 2 vertical reach in freezers, 1 vertical reach in cooler. Sheds are connected via a boarded up breeze way, the entrance has a garage style roll up door with screening and a screen door in front of entrance. Dressing cooler across from bar in dining room. Reviewed with J. Cohee in plan review who stated they have received plans and are currently under review. Approved plans will be reviewed by inspector at next routine inspection.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Angel
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked chicken wings in reach in cooler in prep area. Operator dated 1/25.
Accumulation of black substance in the interior of the ice machine.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Deli container with no handle used as scoop in bulk cornmeal
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. 149 outside 45 inside. Operator removed seats from premises. 155 seats total at recheck
Establishment increased seating without providing written approval from the local fire authority and wastewater provider. 149 outside 45 inside. Operator removed seats from premises. 155 seats total at recheck
Single-service articles improperly stored. Multiple cases of to go containers and cups stored on floor in storage shed
Wall not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, warewashing areas or bathroom. Walls is dry storage room constructed of unsealed wood with gaps between each board. Room is enclosed in building with no exterior walls leading outside having gaps.
Waste line missing at soda gun holster. No soda gun holster in bar area
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Garlic water in spray bottle in prep area
Apr 17, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 10 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority5 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Dented can of pineapple tidbits
Establishment operating with changed menu and/or increased seating without septic system approval for such change. Operator has interagency form from 11/2021 and seating change evaluation from 7/2022 that is only approved for 155 seats. The establishment currently has 232 seats
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken stored above pickles in reach in cooler. Employee corrected shelves.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Interior of soda nozzles in outdoor bar area
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ 2 cooks 2 servers
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. 2 storage sheds at the back of the property storing dry storage items, 2 chest freezers, 2 vertical reach in freezers, 1 vertical reach in cooler. Sheds are connected via a boarded up breeze way, the entrance has a garage style roll up door with screening and a screen door in front of entrance. Dressing cooler across from bar in dining room. Discussed with Cindy who stated no plans have been submitted.
No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Emailed digital copy to operator
Required employee training provided by a third-party employee training program and operator unable to provide original certificate for employees trained. Donna Z.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. 232 seats, establishment is licensed for 100
Establishment increased seating without providing written approval from the local fire authority and wastewater provider. 232 seats, establishment is licensed for 100
Jul 5, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 19 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority6 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 19 findings ▾
Establishment operating with changed menu and/or increased seating without septic system approval for such change. Operator has interagency form from 11/2021 and seating change evaluation from 7/2022 that is only approved for 155 seats. The establishment currently has 210 seats.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 2 live flies in dry storage shed
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Melted butter 108F. Operator moved to grill to reheat to 165F.
Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Emailed form to operator
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Interior of soda gun nozzle in outdoor bar area
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Hand wash sink in outdoor bar area
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. - 2 storage sheds at the back of the property storing dry storage items, 2 chest freezers, 2 vertical reach in freezers, 1 vertical reach in cooler. Sheds are connected via a boarded up breeze way, the entrance has a garage style roll up door with screening and a screen door in front of it. Discussed with Tara in plan review who states they have not received any plans
No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Emailed form to operator
Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. 82F at hand wash sink at outdoor bar after running approximately 2 minutes
Ceiling soiled with accumulated dust in kitchen area.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Grouper filets in vertical glass door cooler
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table in prep area. Open employee drinks in vertical glass door cooler in prep area
Employee preparing food in customer section of dining area. Employee portioning ranch sitting at the bar in the dining room.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. 210 seats, licensed for 100
Establishment increased seating without providing written approval from the local fire authority and wastewater provider. 210 seats, licensed for 100. Operator has interagency form from 11/2021 and seating change evaluation from 7/2022 that is only approved for 155 seats. The establishment currently has 210 seats.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. In prep area of kitchen
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Exterior of trash cans in kitchen heavily soiled.
Single-service articles improperly stored. To go containers stored on the floor in dry storage shed
Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink in outdoor bar area
This record follows the licence, not the owner. Restaurants change hands and the licence history normally does not, so an older entry may describe people who no longer run the place. Every inspection above links to the state's own report. Something wrong? Tell us.