CORTEZ CAFE
12108 CORTEZ RD, Cortez FL 34215 · (941)792-0030
Last inspected Feb 19, 2026 · 11 visits since August 2023
AUG 24
MAR 25
AUG 25
DEC 25
FEB 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 5 rodent droppings found on shelf in back corner under electrical box holding slicer. Operator cleaned and sanitized the area.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $800
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2025090629 | Dec 19, 2025 | Mar 4, 2026 | $800 |
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Feb 19, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 5 findingsThe state's own report →
Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed three compartment sink quaternary sanitizer not at minimum ppm. Operator changed quaternary sanitizer. Quaternary sanitizer now at 400ppm.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed duct tape being used to seal ceiling tiles in kitchen.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee engaged in food preparation without a beard guard. Employee put on beard guard.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed handle of scoop in sugar in back storage area. Operator removed scoop.
Show the remaining 1 finding ▾
Wall not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, warewashing areas or bathroom. Observed wall next to reach-in cooler in back dry storage area with wire mesh covering a hole.
Dec 19, 2025□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Dec 19, 2025■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 8 violations recorded, 6 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
6 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. Observed tzatziki sauce in back room reach in cooler next to door to dining room with visible mold and dated from 11/29. Operator voluntarily discarded product.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed establishment operating with an expired DBPR license from 12/01/25.
Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Observed household pesticide on shelf below the egg cooking burners holding cleaners. Operator discarded pesticide.
Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed quaternary sanitizer in 3 compartment at 0ppm. Operator changed the water and put in new sanitizer. Quaternary sanitizer now at 200ppm.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed tzatziki sauce in back room reach in cooler next to door to dining room with visible mold and dated from 11/29. Operator voluntarily discarded product. Operator voluntarily discarded product.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 5 rodent droppings found on shelf in back corner under electrical box holding slicer. Operator cleaned and sanitized the area.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed a frozen ham and a measuring cup in hand wash sink in kitchen next to dish machine. Employee removed items.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl being used to dispense hash browns on cook line. Operator removed bowl.
Aug 7, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl being used to dispense potatoes in 4 drawer reach-in cooler on cook line. Operator removed bowl.
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.Observed commercially processed Swai fish thawed in packaging. Operator removed all fish from packaging.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee engaged in food preparation while wearing a watch. Employee removed watch.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop not hung to dry. Operator hung mop to dry.
Mar 4, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed slicer with dried food particles. Operator had employee start cleaning slicer.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed clear containers on bottom shelf under steam table with wet nesting.operator removed containers to be sanitized and dry properly.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed black mold like substance and soil underneath soda dispenser. Employee started cleaning area.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop in back storage room not hung to dry. Operator hung motto dry.
Aug 27, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw unpackaged veal over French fries in reach-in freezer in back storage area.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw pooled eggs over lettuce in 2 door reach-in in the back storage area. Operator moved pooled eggs to bottom shelf.
Chemical test kit not used to ensure proper sanitization of equipment and utensils when using a chemical sanitizer. Observed operator with out a chemical test strips for quaternary solution in sanitizer bucket.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed slicer with build up of food debris.
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. Observed no signed employee health reporting agreements. Operator had employees sign health agreements.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed no handle scoop being used to dispense flour in back storage area.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employees cups of coffee on food prep surface next to steam table.
Garbage can located outside has no lid or lid open/broken. Observed broken/ missing dumpster lid on shared dumpster.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed to go containers stored on floor in dry storage area in outside dry storage area. Operator mover containers to shelf.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in bottom of 2 door reach-in in back storage area.
Mar 22, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket on reach in on cookline.
Jan 17, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license as expired as of 12/01/23
Warewashing sanitizing solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed. Observed three compartment sink sanitizer 200ppm. Chlorine.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed food particles on slicer.
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. Observed no employee agreements. Emailed forms to operator.
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed all food handlers certificates, expired.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed damage to ceiling in back storage area. Observed damage ceiling tiles in waitstaff area.
Dead roaches on premises. Observed dead roach in waitstaff area cabinet. Operator cleaned and sanitized area.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed back scratcher between loafs of bread.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket on reach in on cookline.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed open employee drinks in cooler near food served to customers.
Aug 10, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gaskets on upright cooler on cook line.
Aug 9, 2023Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 6 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 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. Observed employee handled dirty dishes then clean dishes with out washing hands after touching dirty dishes at three compartment sink. Advised employee to wash hands after handling dirty dishes.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Shredded Cheddar (52F - Cold Holding); Diced Ham (50F - Cold Holding); Egg Wash French Toast (52F - Cold Holding). Operator stated items had been in cooler since 6:30am. Operator placed items on ice for rapid cooling.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee cell phone, metal water bottle, speaker stored over prep area next to cook line.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic cups at hostess station wet nesting. Advised employee that cups need to be washed and air dried before placing together.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gaskets on upright cooler on cook line.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed at single service take out containers stored above cook line in upright position.
Aug 4, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 11 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 11 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. Observed employee handled dirty dishes then clean dishes with out washing hands after touching dirty dishes at three compartment sink. Advised employee to wash hands after handling dirty dishes.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed in reach in cooler raw ground beef stored on top of a feta cheese container. Operator moved raw ground beef.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Shredded Cheddar (52F - Cold Holding); Diced Ham (50F - Cold Holding); Egg Wash French Toast (52F - Cold Holding). Operator stated items had been in cooler since 6:30am. Operator placed items on ice for rapid cooling.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed cleaning wipes stored on shelf above prep area next to bread.
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 plan to operator.
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.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee cell phone, metal water bottle, speaker stored over prep area next to cook line.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic cups at hostess station wet nesting. Advised employee that cups need to be washed and air dried before placing together.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gaskets on upright cooler on cook line.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed at single service take out containers stored above cook line in upright position.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar and oatmeal removed from original container not labeled. Operator labeled items.
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.