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PUNTA CANA RESTAURANT

9119 TAFT ST, Hollywood FL 33024 · 954.885.1225

Last inspected Feb 10, 2026 · 8 visits since October 2023

Licence typeRestaurant
Seats50
Risk levelRisk Level 2
LicenceSEA1619113
Grade history
JAN 24
SEP 24
JAN 25
JUL 25
DEC 25
≈ ERRATIC

5 inspections, swinging between C and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.

Worst finding on record
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1) Observed 1 live roach in kitchen hand sink. 2) Observed 1 live roach on wall above clean pans at shelf above triple sink. 3) Observed 2 live roaches behind kitchen fliptop unit. 4) Observed 1 live roach on wall by ice machine at back of kitchen.
High priority/35A-05-4
Badges — none earned
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined

Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →

Disciplinary actions

4 cases · $1,625

CaseViolation dateFinal orderAmount
2--2025088400Dec 11, 2025Mar 3, 2026$325
2--2025016926Jan 27, 2025Apr 9, 2025$200
2--2020010467Feb 20, 2020May 15, 2020$400
2--2016013705Mar 15, 2016Jun 9, 2016$700

Inspection history

8 visits, newest first

Feb 10, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection

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

0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Dec 11, 2025Emergency Order Callback Time ExtensionRoutine Inspection

A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.

0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
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. National Registry of Food Service Professionals all expired Sept. 2025.
Intermediate/53B-05-5/Warning/Return visit Dec 11, 2025 · Observed same. To be time extended to Feb 09 Time Extended
Ambient air thermometer not located in the coolest part of the hot holding unit. Ambient thermometer by top shelf in front counter glassfront cooler blocked by bottles and canned beverages. Temperature showing 45F. Temperature critical food items at proper temperature 41F. Manager moved thermometer to lower middle of unit.
Basic/05-04-4/Corrected On-Site/Return visit Dec 11, 2025 · Observed same. Time Extended
Dec 10, 2025■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection

Ordered shut on the spot. 16 violations recorded, 3 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.

3 High priority3 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In kitchen fliptop lower cooler, contained raw shrimp above cooked chicken and beef. Managed rearranged to properly separate.
High priority/08A-05-6/Corrected On-Site
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1) Observed 1 live roach in kitchen hand sink. 2) Observed 1 live roach on wall above clean pans at shelf above triple sink. 3) Observed 2 live roaches behind kitchen fliptop unit. 4) Observed 1 live roach on wall by ice machine at back of kitchen.
High priority/35A-05-4
Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Kitchen sanitizer bucket reading greater than 200ppm chlorine. Manager remade to proper 100ppm.
High priority/41-27-4/Corrected On-Site
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Expired Sept. 18, 2025 Prometric Amanda Rivas
Intermediate/53A-03-7
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cream based beverage in front glassfront cooler missing date mark. Per manager prepared on 12-6. Manager added date mark.
Intermediate/02C-02-5/Corrected On-Site
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. National Registry of Food Service Professionals all expired Sept. 2025.
Intermediate/53B-05-5/Warning
Ambient air thermometer not located in the coolest part of the hot holding unit. Ambient thermometer by top shelf in front counter glassfront cooler blocked by bottles and canned beverages. Temperature showing 45F. Temperature critical food items at proper temperature 41F. Manager moved thermometer to lower middle of unit.
Basic/05-04-4/Corrected On-Site
Dead roaches on premises. 1) Observed 7 dead roaches under kitchen triple sink and around wall under prep sink. 2) Observed 2 dead roaches on floor behind kitchen fliptop unit. 3) Observed 1 dead roach on wall between kitchen triple sink and prep sink 4) Observed 2 dead roaches on floor to right of ice machine at back of kitchen.
Basic/35A-03-4
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Standing water on floor under kitchen hand sink and triple sink.
Basic/36-22-4
Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Grease buildup along floor behind kitchen cook line.
Basic/36-01-4
Frozen time/temperature control for safety food being slacked at room temperature is no longer frozen solid. Bags of raw beef in prep sink slacking at room temperature. Surface temperature 36F.
Basic/06-06-5
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Wiping cloth under cutting board on kitchen prep table.
Basic/21-04-4
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Shelves above triple sink have dust buildup.
Basic/23-03-4
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Shelves in walk-in cooler soiled with spilled food debris.
Basic/22-16-4
Uncovered food stored near sink exposed to splash. Open top vinegar and oil bottles beside front counter hand sink and directly below paper towel dispenser. Manager moved bottles away from sink.
Basic/08B-54-4/Corrected On-Site
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall areas soiled between kitchen triple sink and prep sink.
Basic/36-27-5
Jul 29, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

3 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. 1) Front counter sanitizer sink reading 10ppm chlorine. Manager corrected to 100ppm chlorine. 2) Kitchen triple sink reading 0ppm chlorine. Employee remade to 100ppm chlorine.
High priority/22-42-4/Corrected On-Site
Employee dried hands on clothes/apron/soiled towel after washing. Employee wiped hands on pants leg and continued handling cooking utensils without washing hands. Reviewed proper handwashing and gloves usage with employee and employee washed hands.
High priority/12A-18-4/Corrected On-Site
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Employee in kitchen changed gloves after handling raw steak without first washing hands. Reviewed proper washing procedures and employee washed hands and put on new gloves.
High priority/12A-07-5/Corrected On-Site
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unknown substance in spray bottle hanging by prep sink in kitchen. Manager labeled as degreaser.
Intermediate/41-17-4/Corrected On-Site
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Scoop handles in contact with dry rice and dry beans in kitchen bulk containers. Employee removed scoop handles and stored properly.
Basic/10-01-5/Corrected On-Site
Jan 27, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection

Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 4 violations recorded, 2 high priority.

2 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. In Avantco reach in cooler beside walk in cooler, packages of raw rope sausage removed from original case above open bag of fully cooked chicken wings. Employee rearranged items for proper separation.
High priority/08A-02-6/Corrected On-Site/Repeat Violation/Admin Complaint
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In walk in cooler, flats of raw shell eggs on shelf above assorted gallons of commercial sauces. Employee inverted items to properly store.
High priority/08A-05-6/Corrected On-Site/Repeat Violation/Admin Complaint
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. In dessert reach in and bar glassfront reach in coolers.
Basic/05-09-4/Repeat Violation
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At front counter hand sink. Sign printed and posted.
Basic/31B-04-4/Corrected On-Site
Sep 3, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection

Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 9 violations recorded, 5 high priority.

5 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. In Avantco reach in freezer, containers or raw individually non commercial wrapped steaks above open bags of french fries and open box of ready to eat mussels. Employee rearranged freezer for proper separation.
High priority/08A-02-6/Corrective Action Taken
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In fliptop lower cooler, containers of raw shrimp and fish above containers of cooked chicken and beef. Employee inverted both for proper separation.
High priority/08A-05-6/Corrected On-Site
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. In Avantco reach in freezer, containers of non commercially wrapped steaks above container with open bag of raw shrimp. Employee rearranged freezer for proper separation.
High priority/08A-17-6/Corrected On-Site/Repeat Violation/Admin Complaint
Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. On prep table in middle of kitchen under no temperature control eggs (89F - Ambient). Per employee out of cooler since 10:00am. Employee moved eggs to walk in to reach ill.
High priority/03A-03-5/Corrective Action Taken
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. On prep table in middle of kitchen under no time control, melted butter (91F - Hot Holding). Per employee melted at approximately 11:00am. Employee moved butter to stove to reheat above 165F and hold hot.
High priority/03B-01-6/Corrective Action Taken
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test kit.
Intermediate/16-37-1
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unknown substance in spray bottles by triple sink and on service cart by front counter. Employee marked all bottles.
Intermediate/41-17-4/Corrected On-Site
Food stored on floor. Bag of raw potatoes on floor in walk in cooler. Employee moved bag onto shelf.
Basic/08B-38-4/Corrected On-Site
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. In upright glassfront cooler at front counter.
Basic/05-09-4
Jan 30, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

3 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. License expired December 1, 2023. License paid online during inspection. Validation # 238656893. License current and active at the end lf of inspection.
High priority/50-17-3/Corrected On-Site
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 stored over raw beef inside traulsen reach in freezer in storage area. Operator moved raw chicken to bottom shelf and stored correctly.
High priority/08A-17-6/Corrected On-Site
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet. Right side faucet.
High priority/29-42-4
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Ceiling tile has hole above 3 compartment sink in kitchen.
Basic/36-32-5
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair in front of stove/ fryer in cook line.
Basic/36-17-5/Repeat Violation
Trauslen Reach-in freezer interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues in storage area,
Basic/22-16-4
Oct 26, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

2 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Raw fish stored over packaged juices inside traulsen freezer in dry storage area. Operator moved raw fish and stored correctly.
High priority/08A-02-6/Corrected On-Site
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
High priority/29-42-4
No chlorine chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Intermediate/16-37-1
Spray bottle containing toxic substance ( degreaser)not labeled. Operator labeled degreaser.
Intermediate/41-17-4/Corrected On-Site
Ceiling tile has hole above 3 compartment sink in kitchen.
Basic/36-36-4
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair in front of stove in cook line.
Basic/36-17-5
Ice buildup in trauslen reach-in freezer in dry storage area.
Basic/14-69-4
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses in cook line. Operator moved to be washed rinsed and sanitized.
Basic/10-20-4/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.