DUFF'S BUFFET
26111 US HWY 19 N, Clearwater FL 33763 · 727-303-3301
Last inspected Mar 12, 2026 · 11 visits since October 2023
OCT 24
DEC 24
NOV 25
JAN 26
MAR 26
▼ IMPROVING
5 inspections, climbing. The current grade is the best on record.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 11 live roaches in hole under dishmachine 2 live roaches on wheel of fryer
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $400
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2024053783 | Sep 11, 2024 | Oct 10, 2024 | $400 |
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Mar 12, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation (Partial)
Nothing was found. The inspector recorded no violations at all.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jan 6, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Server ice machine soiled with mold like substance. Operator cleaned ice machine during the inspection.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Discussed ways pans can be stored to dry
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Through out kitchen cook line prep areas
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Caddy holding ice buckets. Operator cleaned caddy during g the inspection
Nov 13, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority0 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
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 on cook line touched his face and clothing without washing hands and returned to food preparation. Discussed proper hand washing techniques with manger and staff.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Cut tomatoes next to raw fish in reach in cooler next to batter station. Manager removed
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottles stored above coffee packs and napkin packs. Manager moved.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Red cup used as scoop in sugar container in server area near bathrooms. Manager replaced with handled scoop.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed in dry storage area used under flour bags. Manager removed.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed multiple tiles in kitchen with damage.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents and walls soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, or dust in cook line, prep area, and storage areas.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee drinks located on shelf with napkins for tables. Manager moved.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed in silver pans on storage rack next to dishwasher.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed multiple areas in kitchen with standing water.
Food stored in a location that is exposed to splash/dust. Observed container of bread stored next to dirty dish tube. Manager moved container.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed in dry storage area connected to walk in cooler. Manager stated they have the shields to replace them.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Containers of salt, sugar, and other seasoning not labeled. Manager labeled.
Jan 2, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Areas of rust located at the top interior of ice machine labeled "servers". Discussed with manager.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. On prep table next to knife. Operator relocated.
Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. 0ppm, operator refilled. 200ppm
Dec 19, 2024Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 9 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 9 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 3 cycles in a row. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization (3-compartment sink) until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Operator had triple sink set up, 200ppm. Operator had dish machine maintenance out during inspection. Dishmachine was repaired before inspection ended. Retest 50ppm.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 live roach on wall under dish machine. Operator killed, discarded and sanitized area.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. marinara (92F - Hot Holding) in kitchen steam table. Operator states it was used to top chicken and that it was meant to be discarded. Operator voluntarily discarded.
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Located at buffet: shredded cheese (47F - Cooling) portioned at 10am, second temp 48F; sour cream (47F - Cooling) portioned at 10am, second temp 48F. Operator relocated to walk in cooler. Food is on ice, but ice had melted and is only on the bottom of the unit. Discussed using time as a public health control for this area of the buffet if it is not able to cool food properly or hold food at 41f.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Areas of rust located at the top interior of ice machine labeled "servers". Discussed with manager.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee purse next to to go cups in kitchen. Operator relocated
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. On prep table next to knife. Operator relocated.
Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. 0ppm, operator refilled. 200ppm
Oct 3, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Sanitizer not used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Employee mixed quaternary sanitizer with Clorox. Discussed with manager who discussed with employee. Operator discarded and replaced bucket
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. banana pudding (45F - Cold Holding); cheesecake (50F - Cold Holding) both have been on buffet line for 1 hour. Manager moved food to walk in cooler, added ice and replaced with new pans.
Warewashing sanitizing solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed. Triple sink quaternary sanitizer above 500ppm. Strip turned blue. Operator corrected to 200ppm
Food-contact surface soiled with dust. Area surrounding soda nozzles. Operator cleaned and sanitized area.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Back side of drop plate rusted. Operator states ice machine is only used for buffet ice.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with dust. Walk in cooler fan
Sep 12, 2024□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Both ice machines soiled with mold like substance on top interior walls. Discussed with manager who began cleaning.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. White cutting board in prep area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Fan in walk in cooler soiled with dust. Heavy buildup on sides or equipment on cookline and on bottom/underneath equipment. Discussed with manager.
Sep 12, 2024■ Emergency Order Callback Not CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit while the kitchen was already shut. The problems had not been fixed, so the closure stayed in place. 5 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 11 live roaches in hole under dishmachine 2 live roaches on wheel of fryer
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Both ice machines soiled with mold like substance on top interior walls. Discussed with manager who began cleaning.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. White cutting board in prep area.
Dead roaches on premises. 1 dead roach in electrical box 1 dead roach under flat top 1 dead roach on floor in dry storage room
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Fan in walk in cooler soiled with dust. Heavy buildup on sides or equipment on cookline and on bottom/underneath equipment. Discussed with manager.
Sep 11, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 17 violations recorded, 4 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
4 High priority2 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 11 live roaches in hole under dishmachine 2 live roaches on wheel of fryer
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. sour cream (55F - Cold Holding)on buffet since 11am. No temperatures taken.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Buffet: sour cream (55F - Cold Holding) at buffet since 11am, no temperatures taken. See stop sale. cut lettuce (55F - Cold Holding) on line for 30 minutes. whipped cream (50F - Cold Holding) on line for less than an hour. Operator relocated both food items.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Tiger balm on rack above container of bread. Operator relocated.
Food-contact surface soiled with dust. Area around soda nozzles soiled. Manager corrected.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Handwash sink next to 3 compartment sink blocked by cart. Operator relocated.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Both ice machines soiled with mold like substance on top interior walls. Discussed with manager who began cleaning.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Tile damaged where exit sign is hanging. Located near warewashing area. Vents rusted in kitchen
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. White cutting board in prep area.
Dead roaches on premises. 1 dead roach in electrical box 1 dead roach under flat top 1 dead roach on floor in dry storage room
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee purse and backpack above container of bread on rack. Operator relocated.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floors soiled throughout kitchen, warewashing area, dry storage and walk in cooler. Ceiling throughout kitchen soiled and warewashing area soiled with dust or stained. Walls in warewashing area soiled.
Food stored on floor. Multiple boxes of food items on floor of walk in freezer. Operator relocated.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Hole in wall in warewashing area.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Emailed operator choking poster.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Fan in walk in cooler soiled with dust. Heavy buildup on sides or equipment on cookline and on bottom/underneath equipment. Discussed with manager.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Employee beverage in reach in cooler. Discussed the need to segregate and label employee food and beverages.
Apr 17, 2024Inspection 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 ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Renewed during inspection
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Reach in cooler at desert table at buffet: chocolate moose pie (52F - Cold Holding), coconut cream pie (53F - Cold Holding). Held less than 4 hours, moved to reach in cooler behind counter
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Staff began cleaning during inspection
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Over kitchen
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee beverage on prep table, removed
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Scoop handle in chicken base, removed
Interior of ice machine/bin with rust that has pitted the surface
Oct 24, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Chicken salad 46f, item put in walk in freezer. Temp now at 42f.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade.
No soap provided at handwash sink.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl used for portioning.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Scrape area of dish room, wall and ceiling.
Water draining onto floor surface. Three compartment sink.
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.