SURCHEROS FRESH MEX
1484 SADLER RD, Fernandina Beach FL 32034
Last inspected Jul 27, 2026 · 13 visits since July 2023
FEB 25
SEP 25
SEP 25
MAY 26
JUL 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Accumulation of dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, or other pests, in control devices. Two sticky traps hanging from ceiling above mop sink with approximately 20-25 dead flying insect on it. Manager removed sticky traps and discarded.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
13 visits, newest first
Jul 27, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jul 24, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 18 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority2 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Triple Sink (Quaternary 0ppm). Operator remade three compartment sink with chlorine bleach and rechecked at 50ppm.
Live, small flying insects found. Observed one (1) live flying insect at front counter near register. Also, observed approximately ten (10) live flying insects at mop sink area.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In walk-in cooler, steak (45F - Cold Holding); pulled pork (44F - Cold Holding). Employee was able to show me temperatures taken of products one hour prior were around 36F-37F. Walk-in cooler door has been opened multiple times due to prep.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Under front counter, spray bottle of cleaner and windex stored next to styrofoam cups. Manager moved cleaners.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Three employees present at time of inspection hired more than two months prior have no proof of employee training.
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. No proof three employees present during inspection have been informed of their health reporting responsibilities. Inspector provided DBPR form 5030-103. Manger printed form and had all employees sign it.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior ice bucket soiled with mold-like substance.
Accumulation of dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, or other pests, in control devices. Two sticky traps hanging from ceiling above mop sink with approximately 20-25 dead flying insect on it. Manager removed sticky traps and discarded.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. In seasoning container on front line on bottom shelf of table, to go bowl used as scoop. Manager removed bowl.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Multiple clean pans stacked before properly air drying.
Floor, wall and/or ceiling soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor under front and back cook line equipment soiled with debris. Also, wall behind both cook lines soiled with food debris.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. On bottom shelf of prep table in back kitchen in multiple different seasoning containers handles of scoops touching product.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No hand wash sign in women's restroom.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets of reach in cooler at front counter and walk-in cooler soiled with mold-like substance. Also, table under grill at front counter soiled with debris.
Open dumpster lid. On shared dumpster, lid open. Manager shut lid.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Standing water in bottom of reach in cooler at front line.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Mop stored in dirty mop water near mop sink. Manager removed mop and hung to dry.
Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Two at front counter and two in kitchen Sanitizer Bucket (Quaternary 0ppm). Operator remade but still not registering sanitizer. Operator made new buckets with bleach and rechecked at 100ppm.
May 7, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority3 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found. Observed 10+ live flying insects in dish area. Operator was able to kill and clean up most. Still observed 3 live flying insects.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle of purple liquid hanging on side of bag- in- box soda rack near front counter. Employee removed. Also, under front counter, spray bottle of windex hanging in front of facing styrofoam to go cups. Operator moved windex. Also, on bottom shelf of table next to grill, three bottles of oven/grill cleaner stored next to plastic wrap. Operator moved oven/grill cleaner.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at handwash sink near dish area. Operator stocked paper towels.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. On side of bag- in- box soda rack, spray bottle of purple liquid not labeled. Employee labeled.
Test kit for measuring the concentration of the sanitizing solution not used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or employee unaware of proper use. First tub of sanitizer test strips provided were expired in 2020. Operator had another tub of test strips.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. In containers of rice blend seasoning at end of cook line, bowl used as scoop. Operator removed bowl from container.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Multiple clean pans stacked before properly air drying.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Standing water on floor under salsa reach in cooler at front counter. Also, standing water on and under tiles on front of mop sink. Work order in for repair.
Floor, wall and/or ceiling soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor under reach in cooler and cook line equipment at front counter soiled with grease and food debris. Also, floor in walk-in cooler soiled with food debris build up. Also, ceiling vent in ladies restroom soiled with dust build up.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No hand wash sign in ladies restroom. Inspector emailed operator handwash sign and operator displayed during inspection.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Multiple gaskets thoughout establishment soiled with food debris/stained. Also, hood filters above grill at front counter soiled with grease build up. Also, table under grill at front counter soiled with black residue. Also, on soda machine in lobby around nozzles soiled with debris.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Multiple containers with old labels still on after cleaning.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Interior of reach in cooler at front counter soiled with food debris.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Standing water in bottom of reach in cooler at front counter.
Nov 3, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Sep 16, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation (Partial)
Nothing was found. The inspector recorded no violations at all.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Sep 2, 2025Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded.
0 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Operator has only 1 new manager hired under 30 days and no other certified food manager employed at this location
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 over 10 food handler employees hired over 60,days with no proof of training
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 show any proof of form for any employees.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed black build up on vents and ceiling tiles above front line food area. Observed dust build up on vents in dining area. Observed dust build up in kitchen vents
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Employee preparing food with bracelet on wrist
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor under fryer with grease build up
Food stored on floor. Case of soda bib stored on floor in kitchen
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler on front line with soiled gasket. Hod filters with grease build up
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Reach in cooler on front line with standing water
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Stored in solution in mop bucket
Feb 27, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Feb 27, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority1 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found Two (2) live flying insects in back mop sink area.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Two (2) spray bottles containing blue chemical cleaner stored on shelf below prep table with single use bags and a container of oil in back kitchen. Bottles moved and stored correctly.
Warewashing sanitizing solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed. Chlorine sanitizer in triple sink test 220+ppm. Solution discarded and replaced. New solution tested 50ppm.
Incorrect chemical test kit provided for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer solution used in the three-compartment sink and/or dishmachine. Establishment has both quaternary ammonium and DDBSA/Lactic Acid test strips but is using chlorine sanitizer only. Manager states he will get correct test strips.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Two (2) tiles above walk in cooler.
Dead roaches on premises. One (1) dead roach on floor by walk in cooler door. Dead roach discarded.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Multiple employee items stored on prep table in back kitchen. Items moved and stored correctly.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Floor near mop sink area is covered in water. Manager states plumber coming to repair.
Floors, walls, and/or ceilings soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor in walk in cooler. Floor drains in triple sink area. Small ramp in front of walk in cooler. Floor under ice machine in back kitchen.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Hand washing sink in women's restroom. Inspector emailed sign.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Multiple gaskets for reach in cooler doors on make line. Mop sink.
Nonfood-contact surfaces not designed and constructed to allow easy cleaning and maintenance. Cabinet door under iced tea dispensers in dining area. Manager states repair call has been placed.
Open dumpster lid. Shared dumpster behind establishment. Lid closed.
Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Rear exit door by restrooms does not self close (door closer in disrepair).
Jan 31, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Observed: 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. Employee in front serving area touched nose with gloved hands and immediately handled clean utensils without washing hands. Manager coached employee on proper hand washing procedures. Employee washed hands correctly. Priority: High Priority
Observed: Establishment operating without a license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Operator must obtain a public food service license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants within 60 days. Submit a license application and payment to DBPR/Bureau of Central Intake Unit, 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. To apply online or obtain an application for license visit https:// www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/ Establishment recently sold back to corporate ownership. License has been applied for per management. Priority: High Priority
Observed: Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. One (1) live fly observed in front counter area. Priority: High Priority
Observed: Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. On shelf in back kitchen near fryers, three containers containing cleaning chemicals stored next to containers of fryer oil. Chemicals moved and stored correctly. Priority: High Priority
Observed: No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Establishment utilizes DDBSA/Lactic Acid (Sink and Surface) sanitizer, but does not have proper test strips to test (strips present but are tainted). Manager set up triple sink with chlorine sanitizer and tested 50ppm. Priority: Intermediate
Observed: Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. White cutting board on top of utility cart in back kitchen near fryers. Cutting board discarded. Priority: Basic
Observed: Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee water bottle on prep table in back kitchen. Bottle discarded. Priority: Basic
Observed: Floors, walls, and/or ceilings soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor under triple sink in kitchen. Floor in walk in cooler. Priority: Basic
Observed: Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Mop sink. Priority: Basic
Observed: Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Interior of reach in cooler across from front register. Priority: Basic
Oct 3, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Aug 14, 2024Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 12 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 1 flying insect at dish area.
Sanitizer solution other than chlorine, quat or iodine not at the proper minimum strength listed in the manufacturer's instructions. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Triple Sink (sink and surface sanitizer 0ppm). Manager placed service call.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. At front counter reach-in cooler, guacamole with cut tomato, (47F - Cold Holding); sour cream (49F - Cold Holding). Ambient temperature 52f. Operator stated items placed out 3.25 hours earlier. Operator placed items in ice bath to cool.
Food service manager not certified within 30 days of employment. 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 present, hired over 30 days, no Certified Food Manager certification.
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/ 4 food handlers present during inspection, no Certified Food Manager present.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. 3 employees present, hired over 60 days per manager, no certificates available.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. In prep area, lip over ice bin opening has mold-like substance. In dining area drink station, ice chute has black mold-like substance.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. At front line, ceiling vents and tiles have dust and mold-like substance.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Standing water on floor at dish area.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. At front line, scoop in bulk rice blend has handle touching product.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Missing in women's restroom.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. At front line area, lid for taco bowl container has build up. At front line, reach-in cooler gasket has black stains.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. At front line, bulk container of rice blend not labeled.
Dec 11, 2023Inspection 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, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Steak 51-56f stored next to flat top grill
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Walk in cooler
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. White cutting board over small cooling rack, removed to wash
Jul 31, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
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.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Cup in S'mores
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Bracelets on prep line employees,
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Stored between cooler and counter top, moved
Insect control device installed over food preparation area. On top on food prep table
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.