LAS TARASCAS RESTAURANT
306 NE 8 ST, Homestead FL 33030 · 786-738-1345
Last inspected Mar 23, 2026 · 7 visits since August 2023
FEB 24
SEP 24
FEB 25
OCT 25
MAR 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed operating with an expired license.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $1,400
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1--2023043418 | Apr 11, 2023 | Sep 5, 2023 | $200 |
| 1--2015000238 | Dec 4, 2014 | Apr 20, 2015 | $1,200 |
Inspection history
7 visits, newest first
Mar 23, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 16 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority4 Intermediate11 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 17 findingsThe state's own report →
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed mop sink with hose attachment; no breaker.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed trash can next to triple sink blocked with trash can.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed front counter at front counter used to stored wiping cloths container. Coach manager.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at handwash sink next to the triple sink.
Show the remaining 13 findings ▾
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. Observed food handler training for Wendy Dalila Aviles expired since 06-28-25.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed at front counter ice bin.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed throughout the front counter and in the kitchen.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed at front counter and in the kitchen.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed water damage and holes; multiple tiles in the front counter and in the kitchen.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed at front counter ice cream freezer.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed ice cream scoops in standing water at 74f at front counter. Coach chef. Chef discarded water.
No copy of latest inspection report available. Observed no copy on site.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in reach in cooler located in main hall.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled at cook line. Observed wall soiled at triple sink.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Marked exit/path to marked exit blocked. For reporting purposes only. Observed on the bottom and on the side of the exit door.
Dec 22, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 12 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority3 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed mop sink with hose attachment; no breaker.
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. Observed no form or kit; inspector provided via email.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed manager with no certificate; Laura Gutierrez.
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. Observed Wendy; 06-25.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed at front counter.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed water damage and holes; multiple tiles.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in chest freezer at front counter.
Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Observed no shield cover above reach in freezer.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Observed no poster; inspector provided via email.
No copy of latest inspection report available. Observed no copy on site.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in reach in cooler located in main hall.
Oct 17, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 14 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority4 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed rubbing alcohol on prep table next to ice machine. Operator removed during inspection.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed mop sink with hose attachment; no breaker.
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. Observed no form or kit; inspector provided via email.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed handsink at front counter with utensils stored inside.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed manager with no certificate; Laura Gutierrez.
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. Observed Wendy; 06-25.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed at front counter.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed water damage and holes; multiple tiles.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in chest freezer at front counter.
Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Observed no shield cover above reach in freezer.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Observed no poster; inspector provided via email.
No copy of latest inspection report available. Observed no copy on site.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in reach in cooler located in main hall.
Feb 18, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored above sauces. Employee placed eggs at the bottom.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a plastic cup used as scoop inside the seasoning. Operator removed it.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Observed establishment has 43 seats but license is for 8 chairs.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer at the front counter.
Light not functioning. Observed at the kitchen area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled.
Twenty (20) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in handwashing, warewashing, or equipment and utensil storage areas. Observed in the kitchen area and 3 compartment sink.
Sep 5, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. Observed mango pulp inside the reach in cooler covered with mold like growth. Employee discarded.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Jamaica beverage (50 F - Cold Holding) inside the reach in cooler by the entrance. As per employee it was cooked 2 days ago. Stop sale was issued.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Employee provided soap.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed Jamaica beverage inside the reach in cooler not date marked. As per employee it was cooked2 days ago.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a bowl used as scoop inside the rice. Employee removed it.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed at the kitchen area.
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed reach in cooler located at the entrance to the kitchen.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn by the grill.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Observed establishment applied for 8 units but I counted 43 seats inside the establishment. Seating form was provided.
Ice buildup in reach-in cooler by the entrance.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed at the reach in cooler in front of the grill.
Feb 23, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed employee was washing tomatoes inside the hand wash sink at the front counter.employee removed them.
Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Consumer advisory was provided to operator.
Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Observed a cup of coffee stored in the preparation table. Operator removed it.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup at the reach in freezer at the front counter.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at the hand wash sink at the bathroom and also at the hand wash sink at the front counter.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled.
Aug 1, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 15 violations recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority1 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw chicken stored in supermarket bags in the reach in freezer.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed operating with an expired license.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored above cooked beef inside the reach in cooler. Operator placed raw shell eggs at the bottom of the reach in cooler.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed beans @ 50° F inside the reach in cooler.As per operator beans were cooked yesterday night. Stop sale was issued.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed beans @ 50° F inside the reach in cooler.As per operator beans were cooked yesterday night. Stop sale was issued.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed not soap at the hand wash sink by the 3 compartment sink. Operator provided soap.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a bowl used as scoop inside the beans. Operator removed it.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed ice machine is not working properly. Ice is melted and there is a water leaking at the front counter.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed tiles missing at the kitchen area by the 6 door reach in cooler.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed 6 knives stored between the wall and the 3 compartment sink.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed ice cream scoop stored in standing water @ 70°F at the front counter. Operator removed the water.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at the unisex bathroom. And at the hand wash sink by the 3 compartment sink.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters and reach in cooler gaskets soiled.
Stored food not covered. Observed cooked food inside the reach in cooler not covered.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed a sugar container not labeled at the front area.
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.