DON JOSE MEXICAN RESTAURANT
4731 LAKEVIEW DR, Sebring FL 33870 · 863.385.9316
Last inspected May 26, 2026 · 8 visits since October 2023
JAN 25
APR 25
APR 25
NOV 25
MAY 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed taco ground beef (48F - Cooling) cooked day before not cooled to 41F within 6 hours, in cooler overnight. Operator discarded see stop sale..
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $500
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2023023476 | Mar 27, 2023 | May 18, 2023 | $300 |
| 7--2023002147 | Dec 16, 2022 | Apr 6, 2023 | $200 |
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
May 26, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate6 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 7 findingsThe state's own report →
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed crazy glue on shelve above prep station on cook line, operator moved.
Dishmachine not washing/rinsing properly. Must wash, rinse and sanitize all dishware, equipment and utensils in three-compartment sink until dishmachine is functioning properly. Observed dish machine read at 0ppm, operator changed chlorine solution and new reading at 100ppm.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed stack of pans on shelve with water in between and not air drying properly in back of kitchen.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup in reach in freezer.
Show the remaining 3 findings ▾
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed three tongs on oven door in kitchen, employee moved.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave with food debris in it in kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets on reach in cooler on cook line soiled with food debris.
Nov 14, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed San Marcos Green Tomato Tomatillo 3 cans and Tomato Sauce Imperial 2 can dented on the shelves, owner removed discarded voluntarily.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw ribeye over case of shrimp in the walk in cooler, owner removed.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed an employees music speaker on the shelve with cans in dry storage, owner moved.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed a stack of pans on the shelve with water in between them and not air drying properly, owner moved to air dry properly.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs on the oven door handle in the kitchen, owner removed.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets in the reach in cooler in back of kitchen soiled with food debris.
Open dumpster lid.
Apr 17, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Nothing was found. The inspector recorded no violations at all.
Recorded at 5367 US HWY 27, Sebring — this licence has since moved.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Apr 7, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed neosporin cream on the shelf with canned food, owner moved.
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Two cans of chipotle that were dented on the can racks in the kitchen area, owner discarded.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed in walk in cooler raw ground beef stored over shredded mozzarella cheese, owner moved to different area. Observed in reach in cooler raw chicken was stored over sour cream, owner moved to different shelf.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed an employee in a prep area touching his pants without changing his gloves and not washing their hands and was returning to prep area owner stopped the employee, employee washed hands and changed gloves.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed rice in the hand washing sink in back of kitchen, owner cleaned the sink.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed a container of marinated chicken and a container of marinated steak in the walk in cooler without a date mark on it.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting boards on the cook line are grooved.
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Observed boxes and two bags of garbage on the pad behind dumpster.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs on the door handle of an oven in the back of kitchen area.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no handwashing signs in the two men's bathroom, two women's bathroom and one other bathroom located next to the kitchen.
Open dumpster lid.
Stored food not covered. Observed in walk in cooler a pot of black beans and a pot of pinto beans without a lid or cover, owner removed from cooler.
Mar 28, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed the ceiling vents in the back kitchen rusting.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed a shelf in the back kitchen with thick rust holding clean equipment.
Jan 23, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 14 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority4 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Operator unable to provide documentation that aquacultured fish has been raised in a controlled environment and fed formulated feed. Operated stated he has the letter but could not find it or obtain it while I was present.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed a soiled can opener.
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. Observed some illness reporting firms completed but not all.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed marinated chicken, cut salmon and house made sauces without a date marked in the walk in freezer.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed the ice machine with a black mold like substance inside and the sliding doors with heavy algae.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed the ceiling vents in the back kitchen rusting.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed personal drinks on prep table and next to food on shelves.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employees cooking food with watches and bracelets on.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed a shelf in the back kitchen with thick rust holding clean equipment.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed the floor around the soda fountain heavily soiled.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on oven door handles.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed the hoods and hood filters with excessive grease build up in the prep kitchen.
Feb 20, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed taco ground beef (48F - Cooling) cooked day before not cooled to 41F within 6 hours, in cooler overnight. Operator discarded see stop sale..
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed taco ground beef (48F - Cooling) cooked day before not cooled to 41F within 6 hours, in cooler overnight. Operator discarded see stop sale.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed Island Oasis drink mixer with old food debris on inside blender cover and white growth on machine just above cover.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed small CO2 tank at outside bar not secured.
Condensation or other drainage not disposed of according to law. Observed soda gun holster not connected to drain line and draining on to drain boards of 3 bay sink at bar..
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed waitstaff with bracelets.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed ice scoop holder rusted and paint peeling.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed heavy food debris on floor on walk-in freezer.
Oct 12, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed salsa (48F - Cold Holding)at waitstation container is 10 to 12 inches deep and only bottom of container is on contact with ice. Operator had more ice added to quickly cool to 41F or colder.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed cook wash hands in 3 bay sink with dirty dishes stored in bays. Manager redirected employee to handsink.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed two spray bottles one with clear liquid and one with red liquid not marked with common name and hanging on end of 3 bay sink. Manager labeled.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed spoons and other kitchen utensils stored with food contact surface up at clean dish storage. Manager inverted.
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.