ESPANA RESTAURANT & TAPAS
22 S 4 ST, Fernandina Beach FL 32034
Last inspected Aug 10, 2026 · 15 visits since July 2023
NOV 23
JAN 25
APR 25
FEB 26
JUN 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between C and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects found. One live flying insect observed in dish area. Fly killed and discarded.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
15 visits, newest first
Aug 10, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jul 7, 2026Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
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/. Observed outdoor kitchen/cooking area, not on current plans. Outdoor area has covered pizza oven with front access, flip top reach in cooler, portable steam wells, table top fryers, griddle with no lid and grill with no lid. Also, outdoor storage room for wine at back of outdoor dining area.
Jun 2, 2026Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 1 violations recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
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/. Observed outdoor kitchen/cooking area, not on current plans. Outdoor area has covered pizza oven with front access, flip top reach in cooler, portable steam wells, table top fryers, griddle with no lid and grill with no lid. Also, outdoor storage room for wine at back of outdoor dining area.
Jun 2, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 12 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority3 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found. Observed one (1) live flying insects in prep area. Also, observed one (1) live flying insects in dish area. Also, observed two (2) live flying insects in small room to right of bar.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In walk-in cooler container of raw pork on shelf above ready to eat sauces. Operator rearranged and put raw pork on bottom shelf.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In flip top reach in cooler on cook line, cooked potatoes (46F - Cold Holding). Operator stated it was out earlier for prep then placed back into cooler.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener attached to prep table soiled with residue.
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/. Establishment has added outdoor cooking area without plan review submitted and approved. Establishment already on open warning from previous inspection for plans.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle of yellowish liquid not labeled in dish area. Operator labeled bottle.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior of ice machine deflector plate soiled with pink mold-like substance.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Establishment has 75 seats on file but has 150+ seats including outdoor seating.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Handle of ice scoop in ice bin next to dessert cooler touching ice. Operator removed scoop.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Multiple gaskets in establishment stained/torn. Also, hood filters above cook line soiled with grease. Operator stated company was supposed to be out last night but will be out tonight. Also, table under flat top grill on cook line soiled with food residue. Operator began to clean.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Interior of dessert cooler and flip top reach in cooler on cook line across from stove soiled with food debris. Operator started to clean.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Standing water in bottom of wine jug cooler next to walk-in cooler. Operator placed towels in cooler to soak up water.
Apr 29, 2026Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
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/. Observed outdoor kitchen/cooking area, not on current plans. Outdoor area has covered pizza oven with front access, flip top reach in cooler, portable steam wells, table top fryers, griddle with no lid and grill with no lid. Also, outdoor storage room for wine at back of outdoor dining area.
Mar 10, 2026Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
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/. Observed outdoor kitchen/cooking area, not on current plans. Outdoor area has covered pizza oven with front access, flip top reach in cooler, portable steam wells, table top fryers, griddle with no lid and grill with no lid. Also, outdoor storage room for wine at back of outdoor dining area.
Mar 2, 2026Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 3 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found Observed one small flying insect on cook like that landed on a scallop. Observed five small flying insects at dining room bar. Observed one small flying insect at prep station in kitchen area.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed the following items in walk in cooler, ceviche 47F, Milk 47F, Rice 47F, rice 53F, Ham 47F. All items cold holding. Manager stated that cooler had been constantly being opened and closed due to delivery and food prep. Ambient temperature of cooler 42F Observed the following in reach in cooler, short rib 45F, short rib 45F Beef 50F, Raw chicken 46F, Mashed potatoes, 53F all items cold holding,ambient temperature of cooler 41F,,manager moved all food it,es to another cooler. Observed Polenta at 44F and in reach in cooler at beginning of cook line, ambient temperature of cooler at 46F manager states that it has been in the cooler for 1 hour, manager moved item to another cooler.manager stated the food had been out to transfer from walk in cooler 1 hour prior.
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/. Observed outdoor kitchen/cooking area, not on current plans. Outdoor area has covered pizza oven with front access, flip top reach in cooler, portable steam wells, table top fryers, griddle with no lid and grill with no lid. Also, outdoor storage room for wine at back of outdoor dining area.
Feb 27, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 25 violations recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority8 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 25 findings ▾
Employee handled personal item, and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee texting on phone, employee set phone on food prep station, did not wash hands and started preparing food. Manager educated employee on hand washing.
Live, small flying insects found Observed one small flying insect on cook like that landed on a scallop. Observed five small flying insects at dining room bar. Observed one small flying insect at prep station in kitchen area.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed 1 fly land on 1 scallop, manager disposed of the scallop the fly landed on.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed the following items in walk in cooler, ceviche 47F, Milk 47F, Rice 47F, rice 53F, Ham 47F. All items cold holding. Manager stated that cooler had been constantly being opened and closed due to delivery and food prep. Ambient temperature of cooler 42F Observed the following in reach in cooler, short rib 45F, short rib 45F Beef 50F, Raw chicken 46F, Mashed potatoes, 53F all items cold holding,ambient temperature of cooler 41F,,manager moved all food it,es to another cooler. Observed Polenta at 44F and in reach in cooler at beginning of cook line, ambient temperature of cooler at 46F manager states that it has been in the cooler for 1 hour, manager moved item to another cooler.manager stated the food had been out to transfer from walk in cooler 1 hour prior.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed hand soap stored next to paper towels in storage room by bathrooms manager relocated soap.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener soiled with old food debris, manager placed it in was area to be washed.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Multiple Hand wash sinks in prep area and cook line blocked, manager unblocked two sinks, and plumber cleared floor drain to allow third sink to be unblocked.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Manager does not have quaternary test strips to test sanitizer buckets.
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/. Observed outdoor kitchen/cooking area, not on current plans. Outdoor area has covered pizza oven with front access, flip top reach in cooler, portable steam wells, table top fryers, griddle with no lid and grill with no lid. Also, outdoor storage room for wine at back of outdoor dining area.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand wash sink at beginning of cook line. Manager has new dispenser to install.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Ceviche in reach in cooler on cook line not date marked. Per manager it was prepared two days prior. Milk in walk in cooler not date marked per manager it was opened yesterday at 11AM. Manager dated items.
Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed multiple expired food handler certifications, manager stated that employees are scheduled get re certified.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle with sanitizer in it near ware wash area, manager placed label on spray bottle.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed multiple shelves in kitchen area being lined with cardboard boxes, manager removed all cardboard.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed Multiple holes in ceiling in kitchen area.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed opened water bottle on food prep table on cook line, manager disposed of water bottle.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed unopened employee drinks on food prep table while food was being prepped on table. Manager moved drinks.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employee on cook line was not wearing any kind of hair restraint. Employee put on hair net.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Establishment licensed for 75 seats, observed 168 seats including outdoor seating.
Food stored on floor. Observed boxed wine on floor in dry storage room.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed multiple tongs hanging from door handles on cook line, manager relocated all tongs.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed toilet paper on floor in storage closet by bathrooms. Manager placed on crates.
Water draining onto floor surface. Hand wash sink at cook like draining waste water onto floor. Manager was able to get drain un clogged. Handwashing sink by ice machine has broken drain line, draining in bucket. Manager had plumber repair.
Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Wiping cloth quaternary sanitizer at 500ppm.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Multiple bulk bins in kitchen area not labeled. Contents was removed from original packaging.
Apr 29, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Apr 28, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 16 violations recorded, 6 high priority.
6 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. In outdoor storage area, one (1) dented can of mandarin oranges. Oranges removed.
Employee touched face/hair and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Dish washer touched face and mouth and immediately handled clean dishes without washing hands. Manager coached employee on proper hand washing procedures. Employee washed hands correctly.
Live, small flying insects found. One live flying insect observed in dish area. Fly killed and discarded.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In flip top cooler on far end of cook line, sepia 66F. Sepia stored on top of pans in reach in cooler approximately 15 minutes prior. Sepia moved to reach in cooler to cool. In flip top cooler at other end of cook line, sausage, cut tomatoes, mussels, chicken, shrimp 48F. All items left out for approximately 15 minutes while restocking line. Cooler top closed to cool items. In walk in cooler, beef stock, scalloped potatoes, chicken 47F. Door constantly opened and closed during prep. Door kept closed to cool items.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. In outside chemical storage area, multiple sangria bottles and two ice buckets stored with chemicals. Bottles and ice buckets moved and stored correctly.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Breaker missing on outside faucet by ice machine where black hose is attached. Breaker missing on faucet near hand washing sink in dish area. Breakers attached.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Outdoor hand washing sink by ice machine has towels stored inside. Towels removed.
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. No proof that one employee has been informed of their health responsibilities. Inspector emailed Form 5030-103 (Food Employee Reporting Agreement).
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. In prep area near cook line, spray bottle containing bleach chemical cleaner stored on shelf not labeled. Manager labeled bottle.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License provided expired 06/01/2024. Operator states she will print/post correct license.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Multiple employee drink bottles stored on small prep counter with clean utensils where desserts are kept. Bottles moved and stored correctly.
Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Cook drinking from cup without lid in kitchen. Lid placed on cup.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. One cook on cook line. Cook placed on hairnet.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Serving spoon for sangria fruit in reach in cooler where sangria is prepared. Spoon moved and stored correctly.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Multiple areas in kitchen and walk in cooler.
Walls/ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, warewashing areas or bathroom. Outdoor dry storage area. Manager states that establishment has contractor coming to paint/seal.
Mar 20, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jan 17, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 13 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority2 Intermediate7 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. Two (2) different cooks on cook line touched face, hair and then engaged in food preparation without washing hands. Manager coached employee on proper hand washing procedures. Employee washed hands correctly.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In walk in cooler, two (2) pans of rice 49F. Manager states that rice was pulled out of cooler for approximately 20 minutes to fill pans on cook line. Rice left in walk in cooler to cool.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle containing chemical cleaner stored next to clean glassware in sangria station. Bottle moved and stored correctly.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Missing on two (2) outside faucets by ice machine where orange and black hoses are attached.
Establishment not maintaining clam/mussel/oyster tags for 90 days. Only a few tags were provided - all without last use date.
Operator is doing a special process, conducting reduced oxygen packaging, cooking time/temperature control for safety food to a time and temperature combination lesser than those in the Food Code or operating a molluscan shellfish tank for human consumption without a HACCP plan approved by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Establishment uses reduced oxygen packaging for multiple items including meat, poultry and vegetables but has no approved HACCP plan. Manager states he was confused by the requirements and has decided to no longer use ROP for packaging and storing of products.
Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. Shelf for plates near pass through window is lined with cardboard.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Ceiling in outdoor food storage area.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Multiple backpacks stored on top of boxed rice in dry storage area. Backpacks moved and stored correctly.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Multiple cooks on cook line.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Multiple sets of tongs on handles of equipment on cook line. Tongs moved and stored correctly.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Hand washing sink in men's restroom in dining area. Inspector emailed sign.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Walk in cooler floor.
Jan 5, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Fish not held frozen before, during and after being packaged onsite using a reduced oxygen packaging method. See stop sale. Salmon
Operator is doing a special process, conducting reduced oxygen packaging, cooking time/temperature control for safety food to a time and temperature combination lesser than those in the Food Code or operating a molluscan shellfish tank for human consumption without a HACCP plan approved by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Vacuum sealed raw beef Sous vide and vacuum seal for fish
Nov 6, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority4 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Fish not held frozen before, during and after being packaged onsite using a reduced oxygen packaging method. See stop sale. Salmon
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Beef fat made on site stored in reach in cooler dated 10-17 to 10-25
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.
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.
Operator is doing a special process, conducting reduced oxygen packaging, cooking time/temperature control for safety food to a time and temperature combination lesser than those in the Food Code or operating a molluscan shellfish tank for human consumption without a HACCP plan approved by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Vacuum sealed raw beef Sous vide and vacuum seal for fish
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Pink substance in spray bottles, labeled
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Personal drink over cooler. Moved
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Cell phone stored over cooler rear rubric cube, keys and wallets.. employees moved
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Cook on line wearing watch
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Container of oil stored on floor. Under hand sink, moved
Jul 26, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Nothing was found. The inspector recorded no violations at all.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
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.