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HABANEROS MEXICAN GRILL

547 PINE ISLAND RD, North Fort Myers FL 33903 · 239-850-9451

Last inspected Apr 8, 2026 · 7 visits since September 2023

Licence typeRestaurant
Seats152
Risk levelRisk Level 2
LicenceSEA4606886
Grade history
MAR 24
NOV 24
APR 25
OCT 25
APR 26
≈ ERRATIC

5 inspections, swinging between A and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.

Worst finding on record
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored over raw beef in standup reach in cooler in prep kitchen. Operator moved chicken below raw beef.
High priority/08A-20-5/Corrected On-Site
Badges — none earned
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined

Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →

Disciplinary actions

1 case · $200

CaseViolation dateFinal orderAmount
7--2024023804Mar 12, 2024May 9, 2024$200

Inspection history

7 visits, newest first

Apr 8, 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 — 8 findings
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed #10 can of Salsa Verde with large dent on rim and seam on dunnage rack by walk in cooler. Operator discarded can.
High priority/01B-01-4/Corrective Action Taken
Drain cover(s) missing. Mop sink.Operator located drain cover and covered drain.
Basic/29-18-4/Corrected On-Site
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed cook on line wearing a watch while preparing food.
Basic/13-07-4
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed metal pans wet nesting on shelf across from dishwasher.
Basic/24-08-4/Repeat Violation
Show the remaining 4 findings ▾
Open dumpster lid.
Basic/33-16-4
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed frozen beef thawing at room temperature in back prep area.
Basic/06-01-5
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
Basic/21-12-4
Propane tank (larger than 2.7 lb. water capacity/1 lb. gas capacity) located inside of the building. For reporting purposes only. Observed LP gas tank larger than 2.7 lbs connected and being used for cooking equipment inside kitchen area.
/48-04-4
The state's own report →
Oct 20, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

0 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine.
Basic/16-23-4
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. Observed tilapia partially frozen inside commercially reduced packaging inside walk in cooler. Operator removed fish from packaging.
Basic/06-09-1/Corrected On-Site
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Basic/32-12-6/Repeat Violation
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee on cooks line preparing food with no hair restraint.
Basic/13-03-4
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed metal pans wet nesting on shelf next to dishwasher.
Basic/24-08-4/Repeat Violation
Apr 24, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

3 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed pain reliever on shelf above prep table on cook's line. Operator removed medication.
High priority/41-07-4/Corrected On-Site
Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Observed can of Raid in kitchen area. Operator removed spray can from kitchen.
High priority/41-05-4/Corrected On-Site
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored over raw beef in standup reach in cooler in prep kitchen. Operator moved chicken below raw beef.
High priority/08A-20-5/Corrected On-Site
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Observed seven employees 3 in kitchen, 4 on floor running food and expediting food. Certified Food Manager/Operator arrived during inspection.
Intermediate/53A-05-6
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Basic/32-12-6
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic and metal containers wet nesting on shelf across from dishwasher.
Basic/24-08-4
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand washing sign at hand washing sink next to hot table in prep kitchen.
Basic/31B-04-4
Propane tank (larger than 2.7 lb. water capacity/1 lb. gas capacity) located inside of the building. For reporting purposes only. Observed propane tank connected to burner in prep kitchen.
/48-04-4
Nov 5, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

1 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw scallops stored over ready to eat refried beans in walk in cooler. Operator moved raw scallops to lower shelf below ready to eat items.
High priority/08A-05-6/Corrected On-Site
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed empty pitcher in hand washing sink at end of cook's line. Operator removed from sink.
Intermediate/31A-09-4/Corrected On-Site
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.
Intermediate/53B-14-5
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle with clear liquid unlabeled outside bar area.
Intermediate/41-17-4
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed plastic bowl used as a scoop in bulk ajonoli. Operator removed bowl.
Basic/14-01-5/Corrected On-Site
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. Observed salmon in walk in cooler thawing in commercial packaging. Operator cut open bags during inspection.
Basic/06-09-1/Corrected On-Site
May 13, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection

A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.

1 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw chicken (47F - Cold Holding); raw shrimp (46F - Cold Holding); chorizo (46F - Cold Holding); raw steaks (47F - Cold Holding) in reach-in cooler under cook line. The operator placed ice on all raw products.
High priority/03A-02-5/Repeat Violation/Admin Complaint/Return visit May 13, 2024 · Observed raw chicken 46F, raw steak 47F, raw shrimp 48F and raw chorizo 48F in reach-in cooler undercook line. The manager is placing ice on raw products. Corrected On-Site
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
Basic/36-34-5/Warning/Return visit May 13, 2024 · Time Extended
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. Observed ambient temperature 45F in reach-in cooler under cook line.
Basic/14-74-7/Warning/Return visit May 13, 2024 · Observed reach-in cooler under cook line ambient temperature 46F.
Mar 12, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection

Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 10 violations recorded, 3 high priority.

3 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Employee dried hands on clothes/apron/soiled towel after washing. Observed cook drying hands with towel after washing hands.
High priority/12A-18-4/Warning
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw talipa and raw salmon over ready to eat shredded chicken in walk-in cooler. The manager moved the raw talipa and raw salmon to another shelf in walk-in cooler.
High priority/08A-05-6/Corrected On-Site/Warning
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw chicken (47F - Cold Holding); raw shrimp (46F - Cold Holding); chorizo (46F - Cold Holding); raw steaks (47F - Cold Holding) in reach-in cooler under cook line. The operator placed ice on all raw products.
High priority/03A-02-5/Repeat Violation/Admin Complaint
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
Intermediate/53A-05-6/Warning
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled.
Intermediate/41-17-4/Warning
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
Basic/36-34-5/Warning
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. Observed ambient temperature 45F in reach-in cooler under cook line.
Basic/14-74-7/Warning
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Basic/13-03-4/Warning
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed containers.
Basic/10-01-5/Warning
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
Basic/21-04-4/Warning
Sep 26, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

2 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Observed can of Raid on shelf next to mop sink.
High priority/41-05-4
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Raw chicken at 2 hours (46F - Cold Holding); Raw steak at 2 hours (48F - Cold Holding) on cook's line in low boy drawers beneath the grille. Operator had employee put ice on items during inspection.
High priority/03A-02-5/Corrective Action Taken
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. Observed salmon in walk-in cooler not removed from reduced oxygen packaging. Discussed proper thawing processes with operator.
Basic/06-09-1/Repeat Violation
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic beverage cups wet nesting next to soda station in kitchen.
Basic/24-08-4/Repeat Violation
Food stored on floor. Observed case of beef stored on floor of walk-in cooler. Operator moved to shelf.
Basic/08B-38-4/Corrected On-Site/Repeat Violation
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop stored in mop sink.
Basic/42-01-4

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.