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LA MARGARITA

3321 13 ST, St. Cloud FL 34769 · 407.593.1513

Last inspected Aug 7, 2026 · 10 visits since July 2023

Licence typeRestaurant
Seats20
Risk levelRisk Level 2
LicenceSEA5911157
Grade history
APR 25
JUN 25
OCT 25
FEB 26
AUG 26
▼ IMPROVING

5 inspections trending up, 22 points better than where it started.

Worst finding on record
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
High priority/50-17-3
Badges — none earned
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined

Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →

Disciplinary actions

2 cases · $920

CaseViolation dateFinal orderAmount
4--2023055486Jul 14, 2023Nov 20, 2023$400
4--2017051107Oct 3, 2017Nov 29, 2017$520

Inspection history

10 visits, newest first

Aug 7, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

1 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 4 findings
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. yuca (109F - Hot Holding) in hot box at end of cookline 2 hours per operator
High priority/03B-01-6
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. At handwashing sink closest to kitchen entrance inside of kitchen
Intermediate/31B-05-4
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
Basic/32-04-4
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. In bulk container of sugar on shelf under prep counter next to reach in freezer
Basic/14-01-5
Feb 18, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

0 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Equipment in poor repair. Damaged gaskets on reach in cooler underneath cookline make table and on hot box
Basic/14-11-5/Repeat Violation
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. At bottom of reach in freezer behind make table on cookline
Basic/14-69-4
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Handle of scoop inside container of flour on dry storage shelf near entrance to warewashing area
Basic/10-01-5
Oct 7, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

0 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Personal bag, headphones, food items on dry storage shelf Operator moved to employee storage
Basic/40-06-5/Corrected On-Site
Equipment in poor repair. Torn gaskets on reach in cooler underneath flattop grill
Basic/14-11-5/Repeat Violation
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. On side wall door in hallway leading to office area
Basic/35B-01-4
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Two on cookline Operator removed
Basic/21-04-4/Corrected On-Site
Jun 23, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection

Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 4 violations recorded, 1 high priority.

1 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken stored over raw beef and pork Raw beef stored over raw pork,all at reach in cooler at cooks line
High priority/08A-20-5/Return visit Jun 23, 2025 · Time Extended
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 took over next door space and using as office and storage. Operator has to complete plan review application and email with plans and menu to: dhr.planreview@myfloridalicense.com
Intermediate/51-16-7/Warning/Return visit Jun 23, 2025 · Per operator he is still finishing the plans and has not submitted to plan review as of yet Admin Complaint
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Unisex bathroom
Basic/32-04-4/Return visit Jun 23, 2025 · Time Extended
Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Cakes in glass reach in fridge by entrance door
Basic/02D-03-4/Repeat Violation/Return visit Jun 23, 2025 · Time Extended
Jun 4, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation

Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 8 violations recorded, 2 high priority.

2 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
High priority/50-17-3/Admin Complaint
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken over raw pork at lo boy reach in cooler on cooks line Raw beef stored over raw fish at lo boy reach in cooler at cooks line
High priority/08A-20-5
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Hand washing sink at cooks line. Operator put paper towel roll at sink
Intermediate/31B-05-4/Corrected On-Site
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Black beans,oxtails and magu per operator made over 24 hours
Intermediate/02C-02-5
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl used in container with red beans
Basic/14-01-5
Equipment in poor repair. Gasket on reach in warmer on cooks line
Basic/14-11-5
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Scoop handle in direct contact with flour at container in dry storage
Basic/10-01-5/Corrected On-Site
Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Desserts at glass reach in cooler in dining area
Basic/02D-03-4
Apr 16, 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 ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
High priority/50-17-3
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken stored over raw beef and pork Raw beef stored over raw pork,all at reach in cooler at cooks line
High priority/08A-20-5
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 took over next door space and using as office and storage. Operator has to complete plan review application and email with plans and menu to: dhr.planreview@myfloridalicense.com
Intermediate/51-16-7/Warning
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Paper towel dispenser at hand wash sink by triple sink does not dispense enough paper towel to dry hands Paper towel dispenser at cooks line is not consistent in dispensing paper towel
Intermediate/31B-05-4
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Sanitizer in clear spray bottle at front counter
Intermediate/41-17-4
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Unisex bathroom
Basic/32-04-4
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowls used for scoops in black beans and salt
Basic/14-01-5/Corrected On-Site
Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Cakes in glass reach in fridge by entrance door
Basic/02D-03-4/Repeat Violation
Single-service articles stored below soap or paper towel dispenser exposing the items to drips from people's hands. To go brown bags stored under paper towel dispenser at front counter
Basic/25-23-4/Corrected On-Site
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Sugar in clear container with no label
Basic/02D-01-5/Corrected On-Site
Sep 16, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

3 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken stored over raw beef at low boy reach in cooler at cooks line
High priority/08A-20-5
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Potato salad date marked 9/8 at reach in cooler at front counter
High priority/01B-24-5
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Ham,cheese,and bacon temping between 48F-53F. Per operator it was in reach in cooler overnight.
High priority/03A-02-5
Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Desserts at glass fridge for grab and go. Observed customer grab item and pay for dessert: Identity and description of product (e.g., kale juice) Date product was packaged Name and address of establishment which prepared and packaged product
Basic/02D-03-4
Mar 12, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

1 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Potato salad and pasta salad at front line temping at 46F.Per operator made and put on line less than two hours.Advised operator to put in reach in cooler
High priority/03A-02-5
Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Desserts at glass fridge next to entrance door that are grab and go's per operator
Basic/02D-03-4
Single-service articles stored next to handwash/food preparation sink exposed to splash. Wrapped single use utensils stored under paper towel dispenser next to hand washing sink at front counter
Basic/25-22-4/Corrected On-Site
Sep 13, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection

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

0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Grease on hood fan
Basic/23-03-4/Return visit Sep 13, 2023 · Time Extended
Jul 14, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection

Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 15 violations recorded, 1 high priority.

1 High priority6 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Spray hose at mop sink lower than flood rim of sink.
High priority/29-37-4/Corrected On-Site
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Milk and oat milk. Front reach in cooler
Intermediate/02C-03-5/Corrected On-Site
Identity of food or food product misrepresented. Menu claims red snapper. Actually it is lane snapper
Intermediate/52-01-4/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/ Manager showed up during inspection
Intermediate/53A-05-6/Corrected On-Site
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Front sink
Intermediate/31B-02-4/Corrected On-Site
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 has new books and will train employees
Intermediate/53B-01-5/Warning
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. By hws front kitchen
Intermediate/41-17-4/Corrected On-Site
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Container used to scoop red and black beans
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. Tilapia educated operator
Basic/06-09-1/Corrected On-Site
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Basic/50-09-4
Equipment and utensils not rinsed between washing and sanitizing. Educated operator and dishwasher on proper setup
Basic/16-16-4/Corrected On-Site
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Reach in freezer
Basic/14-69-4
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Scoop handle in sugar and flour
Basic/10-01-5
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Grease on hood fan
Basic/23-03-4
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Sugar and flour
Basic/02D-01-5/Corrected On-Site

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.