EXPRESS CARAIBBEAN RESTAURANT
1401 S STATE RD 7 STE A3, North Lauderdale FL 33068
Last inspected Dec 8, 2025 · 14 visits since August 2023
□ Not on the state's active licence list
This licence isn't in DBPR's current active file, which usually means the business has closed, been sold, or let the licence lapse. Everything below belongs to this licence, not to whoever may be trading here now. The history stays public because it is a public record.
JUL 24
AUG 24
JUN 25
OCT 25
DEC 25
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live rodent present. At kitchen, 3 live rodents on glue trap near hand wash sink.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
6 cases · $2,960
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2--2025073443 | Oct 7, 2025 | Mar 26, 2026 | — |
| 2--2025044563 | Jun 4, 2025 | Jul 16, 2025 | $800 |
| 2--2024042205 | Jul 16, 2024 | Feb 3, 2025 | $400 |
| 2--2024046067 | Aug 8, 2024 | Oct 7, 2024 | $400 |
| 2--2023027240 | Apr 17, 2023 | Jul 5, 2023 | $1,040 |
| 2--2014044615 | Sep 29, 2014 | Mar 30, 2015 | $320 |
Inspection history
14 visits, newest first
Dec 8, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 2 findings
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink at entrance to kitchen as evidenced by strainer in sink. Operator removed strainer during the inspection.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed at cook line, employee phone stored on preparation counter. Operator removed and stored away from food.
Oct 7, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Oct 6, 2025■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 2 violations recorded, 2 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
2 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Live rodent present. At kitchen, 3 live rodents on glue trap near hand wash sink.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. At kitchen, piklis (48F - Cold Holding), not prepared or portioned today. Operator stated items held out of temperature overnight exceeding 6 hours. Operator discarded.
Jun 5, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Kitchen area
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Flip top unit
Jun 4, 2025■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 18 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 priority4 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Observed can of hot shot ant and roach spray on top shelf in kitchen
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 8 rodent droppings on storage shelf underneath bag of jasmine rice. Observed 2 rodent droppings on the floor in storage room off kitchen Observed approximately10 rodent droppings in mop sink next to three compartment sink. Observed approximately 10 rodent droppings on shelves on cook line, Observed 4 rodent droppings on the floor next to freezer chests in back storage room. Observed 6 rodent droppings on the floor in front of 2 door glass beverage cooler at front counter.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed picliz 65F in a non functioning flip top cooler ambient temperature 60F per employee held in cooler overnight. Not portion or prep today
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked turkey (54F - Cold Holding) on the counter at room temperature per operator held out of temperature less than 1 hour. Observed picliz 65F in a non functioning flip top cooler ambient temperature 60F per employee held in cooler overnight. Not portion or prep today. See stop sale.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Knife stored in hand washing sink in kitchen.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Kitchen Employee bathroom in storage area
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Employee bathroom in storage area Public bathroom
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense flour and rice food.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Expired December 1 2024. Operator provided updated license.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee cell phone on prep table
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Food stored on floor. Observed plastic containers of cooking oil stored in contact with the floor in back storage area
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Kitchen area
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Flip top unit
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed cooked pork 39F-41F sitting out at room temperature in kitchen
Working containers of food (flour)removed from original container not identified by common name.
Aug 9, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. In kitchen
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Both flip top units
Aug 8, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedComplaint Investigation
Ordered shut on the spot. 15 violations recorded, 2 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
2 High priority4 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 5 rodent droppings on floor next to the prep sink in the kitchen. Observed 3 rodent droppings on floor underneath the shelf that houses rice, flour, dried beans in the kitchen. Observed 15 rodent droppings on shelf above prep table in the kitchen. Observed 3 rodent droppings on floor in storage room. Observed 2 rodent droppings underneath employee bathroom sink. Observed 1 rodent droppings on the floor at hallway leading into the kitchen. Observed 2 rodent droppings on the floor front counter next to the supera reach in cooler. Observed 1 rodent dropping behind beverage cooler front counter. Observed 1 rodent dropping on the floor at the end of the bar
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Flip top; sliced tomatoes (60F - Cold Holding); cut iceberg (59F - Cold Holding); pikliz (59F - Cold Holding) I flip tip cooler per employee held less than two hours. Observed cooked pork (58F - Cold Holding); cooked turkey (59F - Cold Holding) in containers on prep table out in room temp pic stated less than two hours.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test strips.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. In employee bathroom
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
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.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense rice and flour.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Displayed license expired on December 1 2023
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Food stored on floor. Bag of carrots and cabbage stored on the floor in kitchen
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. In kitchen
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Both flip top units
Stored food not covered. Observed cooked goat not covered in ikon reach in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw oxtail out at room temperature sitting in empty prep sink
Jul 17, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test strips.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense rice,dried beans and corn meal.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License posted expired December 1, 2023
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers in kitchen.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. In flip top unit
Jul 16, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 20 violations recorded, 7 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
7 High priority5 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 20 findings ▾
Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee talking on cell phone and then engaged in food preparation without washing hands.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed pork being stored in contact with glad quick tie bag.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw fish over cooked chicken wings in ikon reach in
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw shell eggs over raw fish in ikon reach in cooler
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 5 rodent droppings next to freezer chest in dry store room next to kitchen Observed 4 rodent droppings on floor underneath to go racks in storage area next to kitchen Observed 3 rodent droppers behind Argus reach in cooler located in the kitchen
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cut tomatoes (55F - Cold Holding); cut iceberg (55F - Cold Holding) in shallow pans in flip top cooler per operator cooling since 10:00am did not cool with in 4 hours.
Time/temperature control for safety food prepared from/mixed with ingredient(s) at ambient temperature not cooled to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. Observed cut tomatoes (55F - Cold Holding); cut iceberg (55F - Cold Holding) in shallow pans in flip top cooler per operator cooling since 10:00am did not cool with in 4 hours. See stop sale
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Shelves over flip top cooler in kitchen surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed wet wiping cloths in hand washing sink in kitchen. Employee removed.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test strips.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
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.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense rice,dried beans and corn meal.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License posted expired December 1, 2023
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed open can of soda on flip top cooler.
Food stored on floor. Plastic water bottles stored on floor front counter.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers in kitchen.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. In flip top unit
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Argus reach in cooler.
May 13, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Observed pikliz being stored in Home Depot plastic container in Argus reach in refrigerator
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs over flour tortillas in small flip top cooler Observed raw shell eggs over cooked chicken in ikon reach in cooler
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed scrubbing stainless steel scrubber pad in hand washing sink.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test strips
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense flour. Observed bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense dried beans
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License posted expired on December 1 2023
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Blue yellow cutting boards
Food stored on floor. Observed pork shoulder in a stainless steel bowl stored on the floor in walk-in freezer. Observed case of water bottles stored on floor front counter
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Over preparation area
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Flip top units
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Walk in freezer.
Apr 29, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test strips.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Expired December 1 2023
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Over prep station
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. In flip top units
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Freezer gaskets and shelves though out kitchen.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Walk-in freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust behind preparation table. Observed wall by mop sink
Working containers of food salt removed from original container not identified by common name.
Mar 1, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 25 violations recorded, 6 high priority.
6 High priority3 Intermediate16 Basic
Show 25 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within 2 hours. pasta (110F - Cooling) in deep covered container @ 9:30am cooling since 8:00am rechecked 103F @ 10:00. Employee placed in cooler.
Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee handled cell phone than engaged in food preparation.
Employee used tobacco, ate, or drank then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee taste black rice with hand and then engaged in food preparation without washing hands.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. License expired on December 1 2023
Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed raw shell eggs (47F - Cold Holding) sitting on cook line counter. Per employee since 8:00am. Employee moved to cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed pikliz (60F - Cold Holding) in to go containers sitting out at room temperature. Per employee less than two hours. Employee put in cooler.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test strips.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink in kitchen
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.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed plastic bucket with no handle in the rice container.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. On flip top and walk-in freezer.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair.observed water stains on ceiling tiles over steam table. Observed in storage area ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Expired December 1 2023
Food stored on floor. Plastic containers of pork and turkey stored on floor in kitchen. Observed two boxes of chicken on walk-in freezer floor. Observed box of limes and plantains on kitchen floor.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Over prep station
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. In flip top units
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Freezer gaskets and shelves though out kitchen.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed in Argus reach in interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed boxes of single serve containers stored on floor in storage areas.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed frozen beef being thawed in a plastic container on the floor.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Walk-in freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust behind preparation table. Observed wall by mop sink
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed mop wet nesting in mop bucket.
Working containers of food salt removed from original container not identified by common name.
Dec 8, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 20 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority4 Intermediate13 Basic
Show 20 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed raw shell eggs in flip top cooler ambient temperature of 77F. Prr operator held less than four hours Operator moved egg to another cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed chicken wings (54F - Cold Holding) in bus container sitting out at room temperature on prep table. Per operator less than two hours. Operator moved to cooler.
Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of employee health policy and health requirements. Emailed bulletin
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 operator
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test strips.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed multiple containers not date marked held more than 24 hours.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense black beans,rice, and red beans.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed on Argus reach in cooler a buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License displayed at front counter expired December 1 2023
Equipment in poor repair. Observed flip top cooler not operating ambient temperature of 77F. Operator has service call in to fix.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed next to fryer and behind preparation table the floor soiled/has accumulation of debris.
Food stored on floor. Observed container of frying oil on floor in kitchen Observed container of cooked pork and plantains stored on walk in freezer floors Observed plastic container of bottled water on floor front counter.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Argus reach in and flip top cooler.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed cook line wall surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed in small flip top cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed take out cups stored on the floor in back room next to office.
Ten (10) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in walk-in cooler. Observed no light in walk-in freezer.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in walk-in freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Aug 30, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority3 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink in kitchen.
No soap provided at handwash sink in kitchen.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Multiple containers with no date marks all more than 24 hours.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed build up of food debris on walk-in cooler door and handle.
Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed food debris build up on walls, floors.
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.