LA COSTA MEXICAN CANTINA
14333 BEACH BLVD STE 39, Jacksonville FL 32250 · 904.419.2408
Last inspected Aug 11, 2026 · 10 visits since December 2023
SEP 24
FEB 25
AUG 25
JAN 26
AUG 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 27 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Live, small flying insects found. Observed total of 3 flying insects. 2 flying insects near ware washing. 1 flying insect in bar area.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
3 cases · $1,200
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5--2021039022 | Aug 19, 2021 | Feb 11, 2022 | — |
| 5--2020049647 | Oct 8, 2020 | Feb 5, 2021 | $800 |
| 5--2019008059 | Feb 15, 2019 | Apr 11, 2019 | $400 |
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Aug 11, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 9 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 10 findingsThe state's own report →
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed in walk in cooler Cooked chicken (49F-54F - Cooling); Cooked carnitas (49F-54F - Cooling). Employee stated both were cooked yesterday and placed in walk in cooler to cool. See stop sale
Date marked combined ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days of preparing/opening the earliest ready-to-eat time/temperature for safety ingredient. See stop sale. Observed in walk in cooler cooked Birra meat dated 7- 30-2026. See stop sale
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed in walk in cooler Cooked chicken (49F-54F - Cooling); Cooked carnitas (49F-54F - Cooling). Employee stated both were cooked yesterday and placed in walk in cooler to cool. See stop sale
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in a squeeze bottle jalapeño sauce made with fresh cilantro (62F - Cold Holding) stored in large bucket of ice. Manager removed and placed in walk in cooler and submerged the new squeeze bottle of jalapeño sauce made with fresh cilantro inside of ice bucket.
Show the remaining 6 findings ▾
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed interior of ice machine soiled near ice chute of unit.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drink stored on prep table located next to chemical dish machine. Employee removed and stored properly.
Food stored on floor. Observed large bag of rice stored on floor near entrance to walk in cooler. Employee removed and stored properly.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed in use tong stored on handle of oven. Employee removed and stored properly.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed walk in cooler concrete floor not sealed.
Flammables stored near a source of ignition. For reporting purposes only. Observed gas can stored near walk in cooler.
Feb 2, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jan 30, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 15 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority3 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Date marked combined ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days of preparing/opening the earliest ready-to-eat time/temperature for safety ingredient. See stop sale. Observed House made Beef Consommé dated 1-18-2026. See stop sale.
Live, small flying insects found. Observed total of 2 flying insects. 1 flying insect in dining area. 1 flying insect at entrance in kitchen.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed House made Salsa Verde (54F - Cold Holding) in squeeze bottle on top of ice near entrance to kitchen. Manager placed squeeze bottle deeper into ice bath. Observed in reach in cooler on cook line Sour cream (51F-56F - Cold Holding); Chicken nuggets (50F - Cold Holding); Diced tomatoes (48F-51F - Cold Holding); Pico (48F-51F - Cold Holding); Cut lettuce (48F-51F - Cold Holding); Shredded cheese (48F-51F - Cold Holding); Plantains (50F - Cold Holding). Cooler has an ambient temperature of 47F.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed a large container on top of warmer with Queso (72F - Hot Holding). Employee placed into a stainless pan and into steam well.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soda gun holders soiled in bar area with mold like substance. Observed can opener soiled with food debris.
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 4 or more employees engaging in food preparation without a certified food manager on duty.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed employee employed over 60 days without food training.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed interior of ice machine soiled with mold like substance near ice chute of unit.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board on cook line deeply grooved.
Employee eating while preparing food. Observed employee drink on shelf above food prep. Employee removed and stored properly. Observed employees eating/drinking while large pan of meat was on table to be prepped. Employee removed and stored properly.
Food stored on floor. Observed House made bucket of salsa stored on floor in kitchen. Manager removed and stored properly.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed ice scoop handle in ice located in bar. Manager removed and stored properly.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed in use tong on oven located on cook line. Employee removed and stored properly.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed wet wiping cloth under cutting boards on prep table.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.
Aug 20, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 16 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found. Observed total of 3 flying insects. 2 flying insects near ware washing. 1 flying insect in bar area.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed pan of Queso (110F - Hot Holding) on top of a pan located on steam table. Employee placed in walk in cooler, stated pan was extra.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener soiled located in prep area.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle containing surface cleaner without label. Manager placed label on spray bottle.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed interior of ice machine soiled near ice chute of unit.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling tiles in disrepair in kitchen.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drinks on prep table in prep area. Manager removed and stored properly.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee purse stored on prep table in kitchen. Employee removed and stored properly.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee engaging in food preparation without hair restraint.
Food stored on floor. Observed bags of ice in walk in freezer stored on floor. Manager stated he will remove.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs hanging on handle of stove on cook line. Manager removed and stored properly.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed in use wet wiping cloth under cutting board. Employee removed towel from cutting board.
Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Observed bug zapper installed over tortilla holding bin.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed walk in cooler door gasket soiled.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Observed unwashed avocados on flip top cooler with stickers on them.
Feb 25, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 10 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed in bar cooler Watermelon used for drinks at (47F - Cold Holding). See stop sale Employee stated water melon was left in cooler from previous day. Cooler has an ambient temperature of 49F.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in bar cooler Watermelon used for drinks at (47F - Cold Holding). See stop sale Employee stated water melon was left in cooler from previous day. Cooler has an ambient temperature of 49F.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soda gun holder in bar area soiled.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed reach in cooler cutting board deeply grooved on cook line.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed open bottle of coke stored on top of microwave. Employee removed and stored properly.
Food stored on floor. Observed cooking oil stored on floor of dry storage. Manager removed and stored properly.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on handle of oven. Employee removed and stored properly.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed in use wet wiping cloth under cutting board. Employee removed and stored towel properly.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed walk in cooler door gasket soiled.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed walk in cooler floor unsealed.
Sep 19, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Sep 16, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 10 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority0 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed chemical dishwasher machine at 0ppm. Manager was able to get dish machine to work properly. Second test 100ppm.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 2 flying insects near ice machine in kitchen area.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw fish in walk in cooler. Manager had employee remove raw chicken and store properly.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in reach in cooler on cook line Breaded chicken (51F - Cold Holding); Plantains (51F - Cold Holding); mozzarella cheese (49F - Cold Holding); Pico (49F - Cold Holding); Fries (52F - Cold Holding). Cooler has an ambient temperature of 46F to 50F. Manager will remove all stored TCS foods in reach to place in walk in cooler, and place TCS items on top with in ice bath.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed open employee drink stored on shelf over prep table. Manager removed and discarded from premises.
Food container in ice machine/ice bin. Observed Stainless pan of house made salsa stored in ice bin. Manager removed food container of Salsa from ice bin.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed buckets of salsa in walk in cooler stored on floor.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed wet in use wiping cloth under cutting board in kitchen. Employee removed cloth from cutting board.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed frozen beef on prep table in kitchen to thaw. Manager placed in sink with running water.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed walk in cooler concrete floor unsealed.
May 10, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
May 7, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 9 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 1 flying insect in kitchen area.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed in walk in cooler Guacamole with tomatoes (50F - Cold Holding); Chicken wings (50F - Cold Holding) Refried beans (49F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (51F - Cold Holding) Raw steak (49F - Cold Holding); Flan (49F - Cold Holding); Ceviche (49F - Cold Holding); Cooked tong (50F - Cold Holding); chicken wings (49F - Cold Holding). See stop sale. All foods listed have not been removed from cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on flip top cooler Cut tomatoes (50F - Cold Holding); Sour cream (49F - Cold Holding); Shredded cheese (49F - Cold Holding); Fish (49F - Cold Holding). Cooler has an ambient temperature of 43F. Manager placed ice on TCS foods on top of flip top. Observed in walk in cooler Refried beans (49F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (51F - Cold Holding) Raw steak (49F - Cold Holding); Flan (49F - Cold Holding); Ceviche (49F - Cold Holding); Cooked tong (50F - Cold Holding); chicken wings (49F - Cold Holding). See stop sale. Cooler has ambient temperature of 43F. All foods listed have not been removed from cooler. Manager stated employees left door open for delivery and refrigeration has ice build up behind unit.
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. Observed no proof of employee food training.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at handwashing station In kitchen. Manager provided soda for hand washing station.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed interior of ice machine soiled behind splash guard near ice chute.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed missing ceiling tiles in kitchen. Observed ceiling tiles in disrepair bulging from water damage.
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed employee drink on prep table. Observed employees eating in food preparation area. Manager relocated employees food from prep area.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed in use tong on handle of oven on cook line. Employee removed and stored properly.
Dec 11, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Met inspection standards. 1 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Observed establishment without a choking poster. Inspector provided a copy of choking poster.
Propane tank (larger than 2.7 lb. water capacity/1 lb. gas capacity) located inside of the building. For reporting purposes only. Observed gas can located in dry storage. Manager removed gas can from building.
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.