PEPPER'S COCINA MEXICANA & TEQUILA BAR (FERNANDINA)
530 CENTRE ST, Fernandina Beach FL 32034 · 9042772011
Last inspected Aug 22, 2026 · 14 visits since September 2023
SEP 24
FEB 25
DEC 25
APR 26
AUG 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Two live flies in kitchen.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $1,760
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5--2015011825 | Mar 10, 2015 | May 28, 2015 | $1,760 |
Inspection history
14 visits, newest first
Aug 22, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Aug 14, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 12 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority1 Intermediate8 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. At bar, Dishwasher (Chlorine 10ppm).
Live, small flying insects found. Observed 1 live flying insect in kitchen.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In flip top reach in cooler on cook line, sour cream (50F - Cold Holding). Sour cream was stocked 2 hours prior but filled up above fill line. Also, at expo, sour cream (60F - Cold Holding). Operator stated servers put out in the morning in ice container. Inspector told operator about time as a public health control and provided paperwork.
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. Operator unable to provide proof multiple new employees hired less then two weeks have been informed of their health reporting responsibilities. Inspector provided DBPR 5030-103 to manager. He printed copies and started having all new hires read and sign.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink container on prep table next to microwave and food products. Operator moved drink to bottom shelf.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Multiple pans stacked before proper air drying.
Food stored on floor. In walk-in cooler, bag of onions on floor. Operator moved.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Pair of tongs on door handle of oven on cook line. Operator moved tongs.
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 pitcher in rice touching product. Operator moved handle from product.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Multiple boxes of single service items in small kitchen area and private dining room on floor.
Waste line missing at soda gun holster. Soda gun holster at bar missing waste line.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. In container on prep table, flour not labeled. Operator added label.
Apr 7, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Case of cleaner stored over bag in box sodas on storage rack across from ice machine. Operator moved cleaner to proper storage.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Ice observed in handwash sink by soda machine in service station. Bottle of cleaner in handwash sink at the bar. Operator removed cleaner from sink.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Chicken flautas prepared on 3/31 and flan prepared on 3/29. Today is the 7th. Operator discarded both products.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee jackets, wallet and cell phone stored over and on top of bag in box sodas by walk-in cooler.
Food stored on floor. Raw shrimp stored on the floor at the triple sink. Operator moved shrimp to shelving in walk-in cooler.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Wall to left of the ice machine by the exit door is in disrepair.
Silverware/utensils/pans dried with a towel/cloth. Observed employee drying wet pans from the dishmachine with a dry cloth and then placing the pans on a storage rack.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Single-service cups stored on the floor in the bar area.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Shrimp thawing in standing water at triple sink. Operator moved shrimp to walk-in cooler.
Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Wiping cloth solution by dishroom tested at 0ppm chlorine. Operator remade solution to 100ppm chlorine.
Dec 9, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Dec 8, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 21 violations recorded, 6 high priority.
6 High priority5 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 21 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. 2 cans of jalapeño peppers dented.
Food/ice received from unapproved source/no invoice provided to verify source. See Stop Sale. 6 pieces of Tres lechhes observed in reach in cooler by storage area, operate could not provide invoices for them.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed 6 packs of grouper thawed while still in sealed ROP packaging, with instructions saying to remove fish from packaging before thawing.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in reach in cooler on cook line, shrimp 51F, scallops 53F, Beef 51F, chicken 48F, cheese 43F, cut cabbage 53F, Pico 49F, cooked chicken 46F, Pork 52F. All cold holding, Ambient temp of cooler 57. Operator moved all items to walk-in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed beef at 120F, operators said it has been at that temp since 11:00AM, operator took beef and placed it on stove to incense temp, 2nd temp 20 minutes Later 186F.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. No vacuum breaker on hose bib near outside walk in cooler and freezer.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener soiled with old food debris. Clean food bin stored on floor in ware wash area. Operator picked bins up off the floor. Interior of ice machine in storage area has mold like substance.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing Both hand wash sinks in kitchen area blocked with trash can and prep table. Operator removed obstacles. Operator removed obstacles. Observed Hand wash sink near ware wash area being used for other purposes, had a blender in it, operator removed item. Hand wash sink in back storage room blocked, operate moved obstacle.
Misrepresentation of a fruit or fruit juice. Multiple margaritas with fresh lime juice One margarita with fresh pineapple juice. Operator stated he used bottled juices. Operator began marking out "fresh" on menus.
No soap provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at hand was sink on cook line. Operator filled paper towel dispenser. No soap at hand wash sink on cook line operator filled soap dispenser No Paper towels at hand wash sink near ware wash area, operator filled paper towel dispenser
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled spray bottle on triple sink containing bleach per manager. Manager placed label on spray bottle
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Unsecured tank by walk in cooler and freezer outside. Operator secured the tank.
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. Ice buildup on cooling unit of reach in cooler on cook line. Ambient temperature 57f.
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. Observed 6 packs of grouper thawed while still in sealed ROP packaging, with instructions saying to remove fish from packaging before thawing.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Employee personal eggs stored in reach in cooler in back storage room, employee removed food from cooler and segregated it. Employee personal food stored on shelf over food prep table in kitchen area. Employee removed food and segregated it.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee speaker stored above prep table. Operate removed speaker.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting of clean dishes on clean dish rack in kitchen area.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs stored on doors handle of oven. Operator moved tongs
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Wet wash cloth under cutting board on food prep area.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Multiple single service items in banquet room and storage room on floor
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Observed unwashed avocados over ready to eat produce. Operator moved avocados to designated location in cooler.
Feb 25, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 17 violations recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority2 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Cook in kitchen touched nose with bare hand, placed on glove, and handled clean pans without washing hands. Manager coached employee on proper hand washing procedures. Employee washed hands correctly.
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. In outside walk in freezer, sealed packages of beef stored over pans of tamales in plastic bags. Items moved and stored correctly.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. On cook line in cooler drawers below grill, raw chicken stored over raw fish. Items moved and stored correctly.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. In walk in cooler, ranch dressing prepared eight (8) days prior. Dressing discarded.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle containing chemical cleaner hanging on pan with single use containers on utility cart in server area. Bottle moved and stored correctly.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Hand washing sink in bar area. Towels provided.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. In triple sink area, spray bottle containing chemical cleaner being used by dish person is not labeled.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior of ice machine in dry storage area. Manager began cleaning ice machine.
Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. Cardboard lining dry storage shelves.
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. Cook in kitchen drinking from glass with no lid. Drink discarded.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Clean storage pans stored on rack/shelf near dish area.
Food stored on floor. In bar area, margarita mix stored on floor. Mix moved and stored correctly.
Food-contact surface not smooth and easily cleanable. Black lava bowls stored on shelf near dish area.
Missing drain plug at dumpster. No drain plug in green dumpster behind establishment. Manager states he will call dumpster company to obtain.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Soda gun holster in bar. Bartender began cleaning holster.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Multiple cases of single use items and coffee filters stored on floor in dry storage area. Manager began moving items to store properly.
Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Two (2) scooters stored in side storage areas. Scooters moved and stored correctly.
Sep 24, 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. 23 violations recorded, 7 high priority.
7 High priority4 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 23 findings ▾
Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. High temperature dishwasher machine only reaching 109F.
Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Bartender handled personal cell phone and immediately handled clean containers of fruit without washing hands. Inspector coached employee on proper hand washing procedures. Employee washed hands correctly.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Two live flies in kitchen.
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. In outside walk in freezer, raw duck stored over opened box of ready to eat corn. Items moved and stored correctly.
Stop Sale issued due to adulteration of food product. One live fly landed on container of cheese in flip top cooler on cook line. Cheese discarded.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle containing orange chemical cleaner stored on shelf next to liquid smoke in prep area. Bottle moved and stored correctly.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Vacuum breaker missing at outside mop sink faucet where no hose is attached. Vacuum breaker missing at outside faucet where blue hose is attached. Manager went and purchased breakers during inspection.
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. No written plan available. Inspector emailed Form 5030-104 (Clean Up Instructions for Vomitting/Diarrhea).
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At hand washing sink on cook line in kitchen. At hand washing sink in dry storage area. Towels provided.
No soap provided at handwash sink. At hand washing sink on cook line in kitchen. At hand washing sink in dry storage area. Soap provided.
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. Missing for one employee working today.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. No covered receptacle in women's restroom in party area.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License displayed expired 06/01/2024. Manager printed and posted new license.
Dead roaches on premises. One dead roach on floor in dry storage area. Dead roach discarded.
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. Employee styrofoam drink cup in kitchen near cook line. Cup discarded.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Clean storage pans stored on rack/shelf near dish area.
Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. Dishwasher in back just rinsing off pans with spray hose. Sinks set up to be used correctly.
Food stored on floor. Container of oil on floor in prep area. Oil moved and stored correctly.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs hanging on handle of black utility cart on cook line. Tongs moved and stored correctly.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At hand washing sink on cook line in kitchen. At hand washing sink in bar. Manager has signs and will post.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Soda gun holster in bar.
Single-service items for customer self-service not properly protected to prevent contamination. Clear unwrapped plastic straws at bar top. Straws removed.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Small ramp floor to walk in cooler inside kitchen.
Jun 4, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 6 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Shelled eggs over corn
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Pans in raw beef stored over containers of salsa
No soap provided at handwash sink. Handsink next to triple sink
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled spray bottles with yellow substance inside
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. -Handsink across from glass cooler - handsink next to triple sink -men's restroom handsink s
Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. 0 ppms chlorine bucket next to ovens
Apr 8, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
5 High priority5 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Continued use of soiled cloth to wipe gloves between raw And ready to eat foods
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Shelled eggs over corn
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Pans in raw beef stored over containers of salsa
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken over raw beef in walk. In cooler
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Placed raw shrimp on grill and then removed avocado from plate
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -Can opener soiled with old pieces inside can opener - soda gun at bar Soiled
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Handsink next to triple sink
No soap provided at handwash sink. Handsink next to triple sink
Soap dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense soap. Soap dispenser at handsink on cook line, has hand sanitizer inside. No soap available
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled spray bottles with yellow substance inside
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Fan covers in walk in cooler
Designated employee eating/drinking/smoking area located in a food preparation or other restricted area causing possible cross contamination. Plates and drinks on top of glass cooler in wait station
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Personal jackets stored on seasoning rack in kitchen near dish storage
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Bag in box soda, the bag stored on floor outside of box
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Drink station next to bar ice scooper handle in ice
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Stored between wall and prep table in kitchen
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. -Handsink across from glass cooler - handsink next to triple sink -men's restroom handsink s
Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. 0 ppms chlorine bucket next to ovens
Apr 3, 2024Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 18 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority5 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Continued use of soiled cloth to wipe gloves between raw And ready to eat foods
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Shelled eggs over corn
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Pans in raw beef stored over containers of salsa
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken over raw beef in walk. In cooler
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Placed raw shrimp on grill and then removed avocado from plate
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -Can opener soiled with old pieces inside can opener - soda gun at bar Soiled
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Handsink next to triple sink
No soap provided at handwash sink. Handsink next to triple sink
Soap dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense soap. Soap dispenser at handsink on cook line, has hand sanitizer inside. No soap available
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled spray bottles with yellow substance inside
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Fan covers in walk in cooler
Designated employee eating/drinking/smoking area located in a food preparation or other restricted area causing possible cross contamination. Plates and drinks on top of glass cooler in wait station
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Personal jackets stored on seasoning rack in kitchen near dish storage
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Bag in box soda, the bag stored on floor outside of box
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Drink station next to bar ice scooper handle in ice
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Stored between wall and prep table in kitchen
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. -Handsink across from glass cooler - handsink next to triple sink -men's restroom handsink s
Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. 0 ppms chlorine bucket next to ovens
Mar 28, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 18 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority7 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Open raw beef over salsa containers in walk in cooler
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken over raw beef in walk in cooler.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Clear spray bottle with yellow substance inside held over clean plates
Employee applied hand antiseptic in place of washing hands as required. Handsink on line only has sanitizer inside soap dispenser in place of soap
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.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Ice machine upper area inside
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Handsink next to triple sink Handsink on line
No soap provided at handwash sink. Handsink next to triple sink
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Pulled chicken no date making
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled clear spray bottle with yellow substance inside
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Fan covers in walk coolers heavily solid
Clean utensils stored between equipment and wall. Multiple Knives stored between wall and prep table
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. -Personal food in glass cooler near drink station -personal cured meat in outside walk in cooler
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Jackets, nags and purses Stored on drying rack for clean pans.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Cracked container in walk in cooler that stores salsa
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. In wait station ice scooper handle in ice
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. In back area with large ice machine, scooper on top of soiled ice machine
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Handsink next to triple sink
Sep 5, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 11 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority4 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken over raw beef in walk in cooler
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Tomatillos dated 8-28and salsa 8-26
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Ice machine
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times.
No running water at mop sink. Water supply has been removed from from Mopsink outside.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Clear bottles with purple substance, states it's fabuloso
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Fan covers in walk in cooler outside
Clean utensils stored between equipment and wall. Knives stored between wall and prep table.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Multiple personal open water bottles
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment.
Stored food not covered. Cooked pork from 9-3 not covered Salsa not covered
Sep 5, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
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.