LA FONDITA MEXICAN RESTAURANT
13121 N CLEVELAND AVE, N Fort Myers FL 33903 · 8138460922
Last inspected Jun 22, 2026 · 12 visits since September 2023
JUN 24
JUL 24
DEC 24
OCT 25
APR 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 16 live roaches on top of dishwasher machine. Observed 3 live roaches under small white reach-in-freezer by entrance to kitchen.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
4 cases · $1,680
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2025026125 | Feb 24, 2025 | Aug 22, 2025 | $320 |
| 7--2025004461 | Dec 18, 2024 | Jun 20, 2025 | $800 |
| 7--2024019025 | Mar 29, 2024 | May 9, 2024 | $400 |
| 7--2019004066 | Jan 3, 2019 | Feb 15, 2019 | $160 |
Inspection history
12 visits, newest first
Jun 22, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 2 findings
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Cook line.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand washing sign in women's bathroom.
Apr 22, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 6 recorded.
0 High priority3 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand washing sink covered with building materials next to commercial ice machine.
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. Operator states class is scheduled for next month. Employees have been working here for more than 60 days.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed unlabeled spray bottle with blue liquid in expo area.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee preparing food in prep area no hair restraint.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Cook line.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand washing sign in women's bathroom.
Oct 29, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Nothing was found. The inspector recorded no violations at all.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Feb 24, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 6 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dishwashing machine not working.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.
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/
Records/documents for required employee training do not contain all of the required information.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair.
Dec 30, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 9 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority3 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dishwashing machine not working.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw beef over raw shrimp and raw Talia in walk-in cooler. Emailed HR Form 5030-099 Proper Storage.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.
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/
Records/documents for required employee training do not contain all of the required information.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler across from cook line.
Dec 18, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 15 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority6 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dishwashing machine not working.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw beef over raw shrimp and raw Talia in walk-in cooler. Emailed HR Form 5030-099 Proper Storage.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed handwashing sink beside ice machine blocked by sanitizer bucket. The sanitizer bucket was removed from handwashing sink.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.
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 paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink on cook line.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed pork, black beans and orange rice not date marked in walk-in cooler.
Records/documents for required employee training do not contain all of the required information.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice in bar.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler across from cook line.
Jul 25, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
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. Provided Operator with Clean Up Form DBPR 5030-104 via email.
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 Reporting Agreement Form DBPR 5030-103 via email.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed ceramic monkey bowl used as scoop in bulk sugar under counter on expo line. Operator removed bowl.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed in use knives stored between reach in cooler on cook's line. Operator removed knives.
Open dumpster lid.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bulk sugar unlabeled in plastic bin under expo counter.
Jun 27, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
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.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
Jun 20, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Mar 30, 2024Emergency Order Callback Time ExtensionRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
1 High priority3 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw diced beef over raw fish in Walk-in cooler. Repeat 9-14-23
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener at prep area soiled. Repeat 9-14-23
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/
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.
Mar 29, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 12 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 priority5 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dishwasher at 000 parts per million chlorine sanitizer. Operator set up 3 compartment sink for ware wash sanitation.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken over sauce in Walk-in cooler.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw diced beef over raw fish in Walk-in cooler. Repeat 9-14-23
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 16 live roaches on top of dishwasher machine. Observed 3 live roaches under small white reach-in-freezer by entrance to kitchen.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener at prep area soiled. Repeat 9-14-23
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed plastic container in hand wash sink at bar and cooking spoons at hand wash sink at cooks line.
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/
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed sauces, shredded cheese, dice vegetables and meats in Walk-in cooler all prepared onsite more then 24 hours prior as per employee statement not date marked
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.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed styrofoam cup used as scoop for bin of sauce in Walk-in cooler.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed fish thawing in prep sink no running water.
Sep 14, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed cases of chicken stored over trays of raw steak and ground beef in walk-in cooler. Operator corrected during inspection.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed buildup of black mold like substance inside ice bin of ice machine.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand washing sink next to ice machine in kitchen.
Water treatment device has not been inspected or serviced according to manufacturer's instructions. Observed water filter to ice machine date marked 02/2018.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed buildup of black mold like substance inside ice bin of ice machine.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed CO2 tanks not secured by walk-in cooler.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vents with buildup of dust in dishwasher area.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed in use knife stored between two reach in cooler's on cook's line.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed missing light cover for lights above dishwasher area.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed hand washing sign missing in woman's bathroom.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bulk sugar by server station unlabeled.
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.