FLIPPER'S
8771/8767 ESTERO BLVD, Fort Myers Beach FL 33931 · 239 765-1025
Last inspected Jul 27, 2026 · 11 visits since October 2023
OCT 24
MAR 25
OCT 25
MAR 26
JUL 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. In steam table basil Alfredo (124 F - Hot Holding). Operator heated water to increase hot holding temperature
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $200
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2026035323 | Mar 23, 2026 | Jun 10, 2026 | $200 |
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Jul 27, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 1 finding
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Inside reach in freezers
Jul 23, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 9 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority0 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. In walk in cooler 20 lbs ahi tune, 15 lbs salmon and 10 lbs grouper all still under reduced oxygen packaging and fully thawed and all bearing a label stating to fully remove from packaging prior to thawing under refrigeration. This is a repeat violation from the previous inspection dated 03-23-2026
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In tall reach in cooler at pantry station 3 lbs prepared chicken (53 F - Cold Holding); 1 lb blue cheese crumbles (53 F - Cold Holding); 40 oz ahi tuna portions (53 F - Cold Holding); 1 lb diced tomatoes (53 F - Cold Holding); 5 cups sour cream (53 F - Cold Holding). Per operator foods were stored in reach in cooler overnight
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit In tall reach in cooler at pantry station 3 lbs prepared chicken (53 F - Cold Holding); 1 lb blue cheese crumbles (53 F - Cold Holding); 40 oz ahi tuna portions (53 F - Cold Holding); 1 lb diced tomatoes (53 F - Cold Holding); 5 cups sour cream (53 F - Cold Holding). Per operator foods were stored in reach in cooler overnight
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Tall True reach in cooler in pantry station unable to maintain proper cold holding
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. In walk in cooler 20 lbs ahi tune, 15 lbs salmon and 10 lbs grouper all still under reduced oxygen packaging and fully thawed and all bearing a label stating to fully remove from packaging prior to thawing under refrigeration. This is a repeat violation from the previous inspection dated 03-23-2026
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Inside reach in freezers
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Ice cream scoop held in ambient temperature water. Observed operator correct violations in order to meet inspection standards.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. On cooks line make table and inside tall True reach in cooler
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Mar 23, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 3 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. In walk in cooler, nineteen 8 ounce portions of Ani Tuna with a label stating to remove from package prior to thawing under refrigeration were still in sealed reduced oxygen packaging and fully thawed. This is a repeat violation from the previous inspection dated 10-28-2025
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
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. In walk in cooler, nineteen 8 ounce portions of Ani Tuna with a label stating to remove from package prior to thawing under refrigeration were still in sealed reduced oxygen packaging and fully thawed. This is a repeat violation from the previous inspection dated 10-28-2025
Nov 6, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Non food grade hose added to dish sink and no vacuum breaker present
Oct 28, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 7 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. In reach in cooler on cooks line, five 8 oz packages of Ahi Tune with a label stating to removed from package prior to thawing still sealed and completely thawed.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. On cooks line steam table Spanish hollandaise (95 F). This is a repeat violation from the previous inspection dated 03-10-2025
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Non food grade hose added to dish sink and no vacuum breaker present
Hot water sanitizing dishmachine final rinse not reaching proper temperature at manifold. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired. After three attempts at the surface of the plates: Dishwasher (Temperature 152 F)
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. This is a repeat violation from the previous inspection dated 03-10-2025
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. In reach in cooler on cooks line, five 8 oz packages of Ahi Tune with a label stating to removed from package prior to thawing still sealed and completely thawed.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Utensils stored in 78 F water next to food warmers. Operator removed.
Mar 10, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. In steam table basil Alfredo (124 F - Hot Holding). Operator heated water to increase hot holding temperature
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand sink behind bar used as dump sink.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At hand sink in dish area.
No soap provided at handwash sink. At hand sink in dish area
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Inside ice machine has a mold like substance
Cloth used as a food-contact surface. Wiping cloths used as food contact on basil. Operator removed
Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 00ppm) Operator discarded and refilled to Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 100ppm)
Oct 17, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Oct 2, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 5 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority3 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw fish stored over ready to eat sliced cheese and lobster meat. Operator moved food to proper storage. This is a repeat violation from previous inspection dated 04-18-2024
Hot water sanitizing dishmachine final rinse not reaching proper temperature at manifold. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired. Dishwasher (Temperature 149 F) after three attempts at the surface of the plate; operator to set up three compartment sink for sanitizing.
No measuring device available for measuring utensil surface temperature when using hot water as sanitizer in a dishmachine.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Scalloped potatoes, per operator made more than 24 hours prior not date marked
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Coffee on shelf with clean food containers in dish area. Operator removed drink.
Jun 24, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Apr 18, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 8 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Employee dried hands on clothes/apron/soiled towel after washing. Observed employee wash hands then dry hands on pants. Discussed with operator the need of single use towels to dry hands and to repeat hand washing.
Employee touched face/hair and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee remove hat while on cooks line and adjust, place hat back on head and failed to wash hands prior to returning to work. Discussed with operator and observed hand washing.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw tuna stored over ready to eat croissants. Operator moved to proper storage.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand washing sink in dish machine area used as dump sink.
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/. Operator has added dry storage, reach in coolers and reach in freezers to off site building. Violation was previously cited but due to Hurricane Ian and the need for complete remodel p, application was cancelled. Operator will no need to reapply.
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. Provided operator with Employee Health Reporting Agreement DBPR Form HR 5030-103 (English) and DBPR Form HR 5030-203 (Spanish)
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Bottle water on prep table next to steam table, coffee next to clean plates on shelf.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No hand washing sign in bathroom located within newly remodeled dry storage area.
Oct 17, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority3 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw fish and raw bacon stored over cooked ready to eat bacon. Operator moved food to proper storage
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Dish machine operator changed gloves when going from soiled dished to unloading clean dishes without washing hands. Discussed proper hand washing with operator
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. WD 40 stored on shelf with food in back prep area. Operator moved WD 40
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Mold like substance on lid of frozen drink machine behind bar has a build up of a mold like substance.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Tuna Ceviche on menu is served raw but is not designated as raw. Operator designated menu item to reference consumer advisory
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Scalloped potatoes not date marked with date of preparation in walk in cooler
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Three employees working with food; no hair restraints. Operator provided hats to employees
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.