LAS TAPATIAS RESTAURANT
12798 COUNTY RD 512, Fellsmere FL 32948
Last inspected Jul 27, 2026 · 8 visits since July 2023
AUG 24
FEB 25
JUL 25
DEC 25
JUL 26
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections trending down, 16 points off where it started.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken over raw beef reach in freezer
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Jul 27, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 6 findingsThe state's own report →
Chlorine sanitizer used to sanitize clean in place equipment not at proper minimum strength. Do not use equipment not properly sanitized. At zero ppm, corrected to 100.
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 chicken over raw pork in reach in freezer not all in original packaging.
Chemical test kit not used to ensure proper sanitization of equipment when using a chlorine chemical sanitizer. Using chlorine for sanitation bucket but only has quaternary test strips in establishment.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Bathroom door not self closing.
Show the remaining 2 findings ▾
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Cell phone and purse stored on top of rack with food items.
Establishment charging automatic credit card fee without properly disclosing the information on the menu and the bill. Automatic credit card fee are required to be on the menu, website and receipt.
Dec 29, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
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 over raw beef reach in freezer
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Heavy cream opened yesterday
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back door
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters
Jul 31, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Test strips were old. Didn't work for either chlorine or quaternary. Inspectors strips worked
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
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 in bowl with ice thawing. Still frozen Educated Corrected On-SiteCorrected On-Site**
Ice bucket/shovel stored not inverted
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters
Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Avocado still with stickers after washed
Feb 6, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Raw animal food not separated from ready-to-eat food during preparation. Raw chicken over soup 3 door cooler
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 chicken over raw pork. Reach in freezer
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Cream opened Monday
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/ Ownership showed up during inspection. Educated
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils.
Ice bucket/shovel stored not inverted
Stored food not covered. Salt
Aug 30, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Soap wash bucket in sink. Educated
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Tiles above 3 door reach in cooler
Ice bucket/shovel stored not inverted
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters
Jan 12, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Shell eggs over enchilada sauce. 3 door reach in cooler
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. Chicken over beef reach in freezer
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Cutting board in sink
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Sink in back kitchen
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Damaged tiles over 3 door reach in cooler. Operator stated they have informed landlord
Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets 3 door reach in cooler
Food stored on floor. Plastic bottle water
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters both
Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. 0 ppm corrected to 200 ppm
Sep 22, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jul 14, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 6 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Diced tomatoes above fill line 54°-40°. Operator removed excess product and placed in reach in cooler
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Store room sink
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Provided operator information on how to self print license
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Takeout containers
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.