KALUA BEACH BAR
181 S JOANNA, Tavares FL 32778 · 352.609-5910
Last inspected Aug 12, 2026 · 11 visits since August 2023
NOV 24
APR 25
AUG 25
MAR 26
AUG 26
▼ IMPROVING
5 inspections, climbing. The current grade is the best on record.
Live, small flying insects found. 3 flying insects in the kitchen.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $500
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4--2018053872 | Aug 23, 2018 | Jan 4, 2019 | $300 |
| 4--2017033568 | May 25, 2017 | Sep 5, 2017 | $200 |
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Aug 12, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate10 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 12 findingsThe state's own report →
Live, small flying insects found. 3 flying insects in the kitchen.
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.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler gasket by cool line.
Show the remaining 8 findings ▾
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. On the floor in warewashing area.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. In walk in freezer.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave in the kitchen.
Light not functioning. One bulb at cook line. Operator replaced.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Upright white reach in freezer gaskets. Exterior Chips and sugar containers Exterior chips and sugar containers. Fan guards in walk in cooler.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler at cook line Upright white reach in freezer interior Walk in cooler shelves
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. In low bot at cook line.
Mar 4, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 16 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority3 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Per operator from day prior. Raw Chicken (49F - Cold Holding)
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Per operator from day prior. Raw Chicken (49F - Cold Holding)
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. White cuttings boards in the kitchen.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Blocked with cleaning pan and rag. Operator removed.
Records/documents for required employee training do not contain all of the required information. Missing some date of birth.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Equipment in poor repair. Gasket on reach in cooler across from cook line.
Food stored on floor. Case of water. Operator removed.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. In ice bin at the bar. Operator removed.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave in the kitchen.
Light not functioning. One bulb at cook line.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler gaskets across from cook line. Upright white freezer gaskets. Fan guard in walk in cooler.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler across from cook line. Upright white freezer interior. Interior drinks cooler soiled.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Reach in cooler across from cook line.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Shelves in walk in cooler.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Hot water faucet is leaking.
Aug 6, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Aug 5, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Per operator from week prior. Raw Chicken (50F - Cold Holding); Raw Steak (56F - Cold Holding); Raw burger patty (56F - Cold Holding)
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Per operator from week prior Raw Chicken (50F - Cold Holding); Raw Steak (56F - Cold Holding); Raw burger patty (56F - Cold Holding)
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Pan in hand washing sink.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. In reach in cooler
Food stored on floor. Bottle of cooking oil I the kitchen Romaine lettuce in walk in cooler.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Fan guards in walk in vooler
Apr 23, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority3 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. - white cutting board at salad station. - white cutting board on make table. - can opener
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/
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.
Equipment in poor repair. - glass door reach in cooler.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. - under cooking equipment on cooks line
No copy of latest inspection report available.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. - lime build up in heat well. - gasket on cold holding units
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. - glass door reach in cooler in kitchen area.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. - walls throughout kitchen area.
Apr 22, 2025Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 20 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority5 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 20 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. -taco meat (62F - Cold Holding); -cooked chicken (62F - Cold Holding); -buffalo dip (54F- Cold Holding); -queso (54F - Cold Holding); -beef gravy (48F - Cold Holding); -coleslaw (48F - Cold Holding -Per operator all food items as prepared the day prior. - Operator discarded.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. - raw beef steaks stored over raw fish stored in reach in freezer.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. - raw chicken 53° - raw fish 53° - cooked chicken wings 53° - Held over night in glass door reach in cooler. - Operator discarded
Certified Food Manager or person in charge failed to notify the division of employee diagnosed with Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Shigella spp., Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, Typhoid fever (caused by Salmonella Typhi) or Salmonella (nontyphoidal).
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. - white cutting board at salad station. - white cutting board on make table. - can opener
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. - hand sink used as dump sink.
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/
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.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. - person preparing food
Equipment in poor repair. - glass door reach in cooler.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. - under cooking equipment on cooks line
Food stored on floor. - bag in box soda - several food items stored on floor in walk-in freezer.
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. - ice bin at front bar.
No copy of latest inspection report available.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. - lime build up in heat well. - gasket on cold holding units
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. - glass door reach in cooler in kitchen area.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. - walls throughout kitchen area.
Nov 13, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. - interior of fryers and baskets - can opener - All soda nozzles on soda guns
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. - light fixture in kitchen.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. - glass door reaching cooler in kitchen
Nov 6, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 29 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority8 Intermediate20 Basic
Show 29 findings ▾
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. - chlorine stored next to clean pans on bottom shelf
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. - interior of fryers and baskets - can opener - All soda nozzles on soda guns
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. -Miscellaneous items stored in kitchen
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. - hand sink use to make sour drink in bar area.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. - hand 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.
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. - 2 employees working
No soap provided at handwash sink. - no soap hand sink in kitchen
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. - bottle of water stored on prep table in kitchen
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Equipment in poor repair. - makeline door
Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. - missing handle on hand sink in kitchen
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. - under all cooking equipment
Floors not maintained smooth and durable.
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. - light fixture in kitchen.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. - glass door reachin cooler in kitchen
No copy of latest inspection report available.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. - exterior of all cooking equipment. - exterior of cold holding equipment. - hand filters -exterior of ice Machine -Gasket on all cold holding units - lime build up in heat well
Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. - exterior door to kitchen
Plumbing system in disrepair. - hand sink in kitchen
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. - glass door reaching cooler in kitchen
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. -silverware stored handle end down in kitchen area.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. - all walls in kitchen
Feb 14, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 19 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate15 Basic
Show 19 findings ▾
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. - Spray bottle of cleaner stored at expo window.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. - cook used 3 compartment sink to wash hands
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. - interior of fryers and baskets - white cutting board in kitchen area.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. -hand sink located next to expo window used as dump sink.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. - red cutting board stored in kitchen area.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Equipment in poor repair. -salad station cold holding gasket
Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. -Hand sink in kitchen area
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. -under all cooking equipment in kitchen area.
Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. - kitchen area
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. -Walk-in freezer
Food stored on floor. - Raw chicken in walk-in cooler.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. - glass door cold holding unit in kitchen area.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -Hood filters - exterior of all cooking equipment.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Plumbing system in disrepair. -Hand sink in kitchen area
Utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up stored in kitchen area.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. - wall behind cooking equipment.
Oct 25, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation (Partial)
Nothing was found. The inspector recorded no violations at all.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Aug 17, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 17 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate13 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Shell eggs in use or stored with cracks or broken shells. See stop sale.
Stop Sale issued due to adulteration of food product.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -Drink nozzles and holster at bar area. -can opener - white cutting board in kitchen area.
Toxic substance/chemical on premise that is not required for the operation of establishment. -Baby powder stored with bottled beverages.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Cook preparing food.
Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. -Kitchen area
Floors not maintained smooth and durable.
Food stored on floor. -Food in walk-in in cooler -Food in Walk-in freezer
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
No copy of latest inspection report available.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -Exterior of all cooking equipment in kitchen area. - hood filters. - gaskets at salad station
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. -Employee drink store store in coke cola glass door cooler
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. -All reach in cooler in kitchen area.
Storage area not maintained clean and organized. -Outside walk-in cooler
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.