CHICKEN KING
2420 N FLORIDA AVE, Hernando FL 34442 · 352-344-0223
Last inspected Mar 26, 2026 · 11 visits since August 2023
FEB 24
JUL 24
JUN 25
NOV 25
MAR 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between C 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 near dry storage, no contamination observed.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $1,120
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2023072537 | Oct 17, 2023 | May 17, 2024 | $1,120 |
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Mar 26, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Mar 24, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 11 violations recorded, 9 high priority.
9 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. 0ppm chlorine dish machine. Operator called Ecolab for service during inspection. 3 compartment sink set up to manually wash dishes.
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 touched soiled dishes then clean equipment without washing hands.
Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee touched face with gloves then touched clean utensil without washing hands and changing gloves.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Expired 2/1/26
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. French toast mix containing raw eggs stored over washed and prepped vegetables in walk in cooler. Operator corrected shelves.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Butter in containers on front counter bar area not changed between customers
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. diced ham (48F - Cold Holding); sliced sausage (50F - Cold Holding); Swiss cheese (49F - Cold Holding); American cheese (49F - Cold Holding); diced tomatoes (47F - Cold Holding)
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach in cooler at cook line. See stop sale. diced ham (48F - Cold Holding); sliced sausage (50F - Cold Holding); Swiss cheese (49F - Cold Holding); American cheese (49F - Cold Holding); diced tomatoes (47F - Cold Holding)
Time/temperature control for safety food re-served to customers. Butter packets placed on front counter bar area not disposed of after each customer. Observed customer leave and new customer sat without the butter being removed. See stop sale.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employee preparing food in cook line area
Nonfood-contact surface soiled. Fan guards in walk in cooler
Nov 21, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority3 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found 1 live fly in front counter area
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shells eggs stored over beets and boiled eggs in reach in cooler. Employee corrected shelves.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Employee in dish area washed hands in 3 compartment sink
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/ 4 employees in kitchen area preparing food 3 employees serving food
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Purple chemical spray bottle in prep area. Operator labeled windex.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Soiled acoustic ceiling tiles in kitchen area
Ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. In server station area
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee cell phone on slicer in prep area. Operator removed.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Light shield missing in front counter area
Jun 9, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 4 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. 0ppm, operator primed machine 100ppm
Food received from unapproved source. See Stop Sale. Honey displayed in dining room area for sale. Local honey with cottage food sticker.
Stop Sale issued due to food originating from an unapproved source. Honey displayed in dining room area. Local honey with cottage food sticker.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled. Walk in cooler shelves
Sep 17, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 2 violations recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
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/. Ice machine moved and hand wash sink removed from outside area,mop sink relocated, 2 reach in freezers added to outside area.
Food stored in a room/shed that is not fully enclosed. 2 reach in freezers stored outside in an area that is not fully enclosed.
Jul 30, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
1 High priority3 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 2 live flies near dry storage, no contamination observed.
Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Hand wash sink removed from employee restroom.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Eggs Benedict not identified as having raw ingredients. Discussed the need to identify raw ingredients on the menu.
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/. Ice machine moved and hand wash sink removed from outside area,mop sink relocated, 2 reach in freezers added to outside area.
Food stored in a room/shed that is not fully enclosed. 2 reach in freezers stored outside in an area that is not fully enclosed.
Jul 23, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
2 High priority3 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 2 live flies near dry storage, no contamination observed.
Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Operator using Ace buckets to store food.
Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Hand wash sink removed from employee restroom.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Eggs Benedict not identified as having raw ingredients. Discussed the need to identify raw ingredients on the menu.
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/. Ice machine moved and hand wash sink removed from outside area,mop sink relocated, 2 reach in freezers added to outside area.
Food stored in a room/shed that is not fully enclosed. 2 reach in freezers stored outside in an area that is not fully enclosed.
Jul 16, 2024Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 14 recorded, 7 high priority.
7 High priority5 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 14 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. Dish washer touched dirty dishes and then touched clean dishes without washing hands.
Fly bait not contained in a covered, tamper-resistant bait station. Fly bait stored on dry storage.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 2 live flies near dry storage, no contamination observed.
Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Operator using Ace buckets to store food.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw eggs stored over lettuce. Cook moved eggs to be stored below lettuce.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. butter (79F - held on table tops.)
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. diced tomatoes (44F - Cold Holding second temp atv12:16 40F cold hold); cut sausage (51F - Hot Holding, second temp 12:18 38F cold hold); raw beef patties (45F - Cold Holding)
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Interior of hot box
Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Hand wash sink removed from employee restroom.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Eggs Benedict not identified as having raw ingredients. Discussed the need to identify raw ingredients on the menu.
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/. Ice machine moved and hand wash sink removed from outside area,mop sink relocated, 2 reach in freezers added to outside area.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Hand wash sink at end of cook line, no soap. Operator replenished soap
Food stored in a room/shed that is not fully enclosed. 2 reach in freezers stored outside in an area that is not fully enclosed.
Food stored on floor. Fryer oil, buckets of chicken in walk in cooler. Discussed the need to store all food a minimum of 6" off the floor.
Feb 16, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 11 violations recorded, 6 high priority.
6 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Dented cans present. See stop sale. Can of pork and beans dented on seal
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. 0ppm, operator changed bucket and primed machine. 50ppm
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Employee swept floor touching the broom with visibility soiled handle then immediately grabbed biscuit without washing hands and changing gloves. Discussed with employee who washed hands, changed gloves and discarded biscuit.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. sausage links (51F - Cold Holding); diced ham (50F - Cold Holding) in reach in cooler at cook line in front of flat top grill. Operator immediately discarded.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. sausage links (51F - Cold Holding); diced ham (50F - Cold Holding) in reach in cooler at cook line in front of flat top grill. Operator immediately discarded.
Warewashing sanitizing solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed. Chlorine sanitizer bucket over 200ppm. Operator made fresh bucket 100ppm.
Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Handwash sink removed from outdoor area where the ice machine was previously located. Ice machine has been moved inside near the server 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/. Discussed with Breanna in plan review who stated no plans have been submitted. Ice machine moved from outside the back door to inside the server area at the front counter. Plans on file were from previous owner. 3 compartment sink is on the same wall as the dish machine and hand wash sink is behind the partition wall. Multiple reach in coolers/freezers have been rearranged Hand wash sink out the back door of the kitchen has been removed Office/mop rooms by the restrooms have been turned into dry storage.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Glass door vertical cooler in prep area
Damaged food not properly segregated. Pork and beans dented on seal
Unpackaged food in an unprotected holding unit in a nonsecure area. Multiple vertical freezers in gated area out the back door of the kitchen. The gate to enter the area is unlocked. Operator locked gate.
Oct 17, 2023Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 5 violations recorded.
0 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Handwash sink removed from outdoor area where the ice machine was previously located. Ice machine has been moved inside near the server area. Will check compliance at the call back inspection for plan review.
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/. Ice machine moved from outside the back door to inside the server area at the front counter. Plans on file were from previous owner. 3 compartment sink is on the same wall as the dish machine and hand wash sink is behind the partition wall. Multiple reach in coolers/freezers have been rearranged Hand wash sink out the back door of the kitchen has been removed Office/mop rooms by the restrooms have been turned into dry storage.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment.
Wood surface not properly sealed. Wood shelves in dry storage closets near the restrooms not sealed
Aug 14, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 17 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority6 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Server placed gloves on without washing hands in toast station. Discussed with manager who discussed with employee.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 2 live flies in trash can in kitchen area 2 live flies in dining room on table 1 live fly in men's restroom 1 live fly in women's restroom
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
Handwash sink removed from outdoor area where the ice machine was previously located. Ice machine has been moved inside near the server area. Will check compliance at the call back inspection for plan review.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Egg wash dumped in hand wash sink at cook line Server filled cups with water in 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/. Ice machine moved from outside the back door to inside the server area at the front counter. Plans on file were from previous owner. 3 compartment sink is on the same wall as the dish machine and hand wash sink is behind the partition wall. Multiple reach in coolers/freezers have been rearranged Hand wash sink out the back door of the kitchen has been removed Office/mop rooms by the restrooms have been turned into dry storage.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
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
Ceiling tile missing. Multiple tiles throughout kitchen area
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Employee wearing bracelet while prepping food Employee wearing watch on cook line
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs hung on fryer. Operator removed.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Hand wash signs at all hand wash sinks state hand wash only.
No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment.
Open dumpster lid.
Unused equipment on the premises. Multiple pieces of equipment in the back storage area
Wood surface not properly sealed. Wood shelves in dry storage closets near the restrooms not sealed
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.