TAQUERIA EL REY
3427 SW DARWIN BLVD, Port St Lucie FL 34953 · 772.777.5987
Last inspected Jul 30, 2026 · 11 visits since August 2023
JUL 24
JAN 25
JUL 25
DEC 25
JUL 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
2 Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
3 cases · $1,560
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4--2021026899 | Apr 28, 2021 | Jul 19, 2021 | $300 |
| 4--2019049646 | Jul 29, 2019 | Nov 7, 2019 | $1,100 |
| 4--2019015610 | Jan 29, 2019 | May 2, 2019 | $160 |
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Jul 30, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 16 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority3 Intermediate11 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 16 findingsThe state's own report →
Live, small flying insects found. 1 live on prep table. Employee actively trying to remove and cleans and sanitized area.
Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Found with bread for customers in 3 door standing cooler.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Kitchen sink has 3 containers. employee washed items in hand sink. Education provided.
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. Server.
Show the remaining 12 findings ▾
No soap provided at handwash sink. At all kitchen sinks. Employee put soap at 1 sink.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. In kitchen.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Back area of kitchen.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Where kitchen tile is in disrepair.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Throughout Kitchen area.
Food stored on floor. Cooked vegetable on floor. Cook removed.
Hole in or other damage to wall. In front of walk in cooler.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer.
Light not functioning. 1 light bulb under hood.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Shelf behind tortillas maker.
Stored food not covered. Raw beef and raw chicken in 3 door standing cooler.
Dec 19, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked rice and ground beef made 2 days per Manager. Manager dated.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. 2 tanks.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Next to ice machine and in areas next to employee bathroom/ exit door.
Equipment in poor repair. White Reach in freezer door not closing properly.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Where tile is in disrepair in front of 3 bay sink.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Throughout out kitchen.
Hole in or other damage to wall. In front of walk in cooler.
Light not functioning. 1 light bulb under hood.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Provided and posted.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Salsa cooler.
Jul 30, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 18 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority3 Intermediate13 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Stored with seafood mix found 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 standing 2 door cooler. Education provided to employee. Inspector corrected.
Employee has not received adequate training related to their assigned duties as evidenced by lack of general knowledge in performing their assigned duties. Employees unable to answer what kind of sanitizer is being used for three compartment sink.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Draining pot in sink. Removed by employee.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked pork and beef on reach in cold make table. Employee placed dates.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. 2 tanks next to ice machine.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Food lined with heavy soiled cardboard in walk in freezer. Informed server.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Vents in back hallway.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Near exit door and employee bathroom in back of kitchen and guest/employee bathroom.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Where tile is missing.
Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Food debris on floor of walk in cooler and walk in freezer.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Throughout kitchen area.
Food stored on floor. Ice bags and seafood mix in bulk container in walk in freezer. Manager corrected.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Wall next to employee bathroom in back of kitchen and by guest/employee bathroom.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. By ice machine sink.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters.
Soiled cloths, linen, aprons, coats, or other uniform apparel not kept in a suitable container prior to laundering. Soiled linen found on prep table. Employee removed.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Salsa cooler.
Jan 7, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 16 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken over cow head. Manager corrected and placed in correct order.
Time/temperature control for safety food reheated for hot holding not reaching 165 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds within 2 hours. Queso 99-113F hot holding. Finished reheating at 11:00. Recommend to reheat to 165F and maintain at 135F for hot holding. Rechecked and found at 169F.
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sinks not working/unable to dispense paper towels. In kitchen. Employee placed paper towels at hand washing sinks until batteries can be obtained.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Shredded beef and cooked rice, and other multiple items found in walk in cooler and cold holding units. Please remember to date mark items held more than 24 hours.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Reach in cooler cold line and 3 door standing cooler. Manager cleaned.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. By employee/guest bathroom.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Where floor tiles are in disrepair in kitchen area, by green wall next to back door and underneath prep sink.
Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. On cook's line. Manager cleaned.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. In front of 3 door standing cooler and In front of hand washing sink in kitchen.
Hole in or other damage to wall. In front of walk in cooler, by backdoor of kitchen and by bathroom in kitchen.
Interior of microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Manager cleaned.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. In cold line cooler and 2 door standing cooler. Manager placed thermometer in cold line cooler.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. In 2 door standing cooler.
Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. Manager placed in laundry.
Stored food not covered. In low boy cold line cooler, fish, cooked pork, and multiple items found in walk in cooler. Educated/reminded Manager to cover food items when not in cooking process. Manager covered items found on cook's line.
Jul 16, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate15 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Ambient air thermometer not located in the warmest part of the cold holding unit. In low boy of vegetable and condiments cooler.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Behind bar and next to ice machine.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Near storage area in back hallway. Manager stated a work order has been requested to Landlord due to an AC leaking problem.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Near both bathrooms wall and wall in front of walk-in cooler.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. 2024 displayed.
Equipment in poor repair. 2 door standing reach in cooler ambient digital thermometer not reading. Tested tcs food found out of temp. Recommend to Manager to obtain ambient thermometers and not to store any tics foods until looked into.
Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Missing plumbing fixture for handwashing sink near 3C.
Floor and wall junctures not coved in food preparation/storage/warewashing areas or bathroom. Near storage area and bathrooms.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water in multiple areas.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair in multiple location in kitchen.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Meats in walk in cooler. Frying oil in back hallway.
Hole in or other damage to wall. In front of walk-in cooler and near bathroom.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood system needs cleaning.
Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. Recommend to Manager to place in bucket.
Standing water on floor cracked tiles in multiple areas throughout kitchen.
Jul 15, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 23 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority1 Intermediate20 Basic
Show 23 findings ▾
Food stored in a container that previously held a toxic substance. See stop sale. Green sauce, red sauce, and raw steak stored in Palmolive containers.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Meat cooler marinated raw chicken 55f cold holding made 7/14, marinated pork 55f cold holding made 7/13, marinated steak 57f cold holding made 7/13, raw steak 55f cold holding made 7/14.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Cups and utensils found in sink.
Ambient air thermometer not located in the warmest part of the cold holding unit. In low boy of vegetable and condiments cooler.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Behind bar and next to ice machine.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Near storage area in back hallway. Manager stated a work order has been requested to Landlord due to an AC leaking problem.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Near both bathrooms wall and wall in front of walk-in cooler.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. 2024 displayed.
Dishware not cleared of gross food and waste prior to being placed in three-compartment sink/dishmachine.
Equipment in poor repair. 2 door standing reach in cooler ambient digital thermometer not reading. Tested tcs food found out of temp. Recommend to Manager to obtain ambient thermometers and not to store any tics foods until looked into.
Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Missing plumbing fixture for handwashing sink near 3C.
Floor and wall junctures not coved in food preparation/storage/warewashing areas or bathroom. Near storage area and bathrooms.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water in multiple areas.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair in multiple location in kitchen.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Meats in walk in cooler. Frying oil in back hallway.
Hole in or other damage to wall. In front of walk-in cooler and near bathroom.
Interior of microwave has accumulation of grease/food debris.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Near ice machine and in kitchen near 3C sink.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood system needs cleaning.
Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. Recommend to Manager to place in bucket.
Standing water on floor cracked tiles in multiple areas throughout kitchen.
Stored food not covered. Multiple items in walk in cooler.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed produce over RTE. Avocado with sticker not washed.
Jul 15, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate15 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Throughout all coolers
Bathroom not conveniently located and accessible to employees. Multiple items stored inside bathroom and in front of restroom door
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Behind bar and by the ice machine.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Near storage area. Hallway has a cracked ceiling.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Near bathroom wall and wall in front of walk-in.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture for handwashing sink near 3C sink.
Floor and wall junctures not coved in food preparation/storage/warewashing areas. Near storage area and bathroom.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water in multiple areas.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair in multiple location in kitchen.
Hole in or other damage to wall. In front of walk-in cooler and near bathroom.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees near 3 compartment sink.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood system needs cleaning.
Standing water on floor/ cracked tiles in multiple areas throughout kitchen.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle under 3C sink.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Removed by server.
May 14, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 31 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority6 Intermediate20 Basic
Show 31 findings ▾
2 Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area.
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Rice made overnight found at 50f.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Horchata found at 50f cold holding and rice made overnight found at 50f cold holding.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Horchata made with rice made last night found at 50f cold holding. Server discarded on site.
Time/temperature control for safety food reheated for hot holding not reaching 165 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds within 2 hours. Queso cheese 95-114f hot holding. Recommend to reheat to 165f. Rechecked cheese at 169f hot holding.
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/
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink near ice machine.
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. For some employees.
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.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Throughout all coolers
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.
Bathroom not conveniently located and accessible to employees. Multiple items stored inside bathroom and in front of restroom door
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Behind bar and by the ice machine.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Near storage area. Hallway has a cracked ceiling.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Near bathroom wall and wall in front of walk-in.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Designated employee eating/drinking/smoking area located in a food preparation or other restricted area causing possible cross contamination. Manager's street corn in opened reach in cooler.
Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture for handwashing sink near 3C sink.
Floor and wall junctures not coved in food preparation/storage/warewashing areas. Near storage area and bathroom.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water in multiple areas.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair in multiple location in kitchen.
Hole in or other damage to wall. In front of walk-in cooler and near bathroom.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees near 3 compartment sink.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood system needs cleaning.
Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Employee cutting onions.
Standing water on floor/ cracked tiles in multiple areas throughout kitchen.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle under 3C sink.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Removed by server.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bulk container of sugar not labeled.
Feb 16, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Door handles for each reach in cooler on cook line are soiled
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Compressed air tank not secured behind bar
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Stand up reach in cooler in kitchen
Dec 8, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 13 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Cook took tortillas off flat top with barehand. SEE STOP SALE
Food contaminated by employees/consumers and operator continued to serve food. See stop sale. Cook took tortillas off flat top with barehand.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. In reach in cooler on cook line. Raw chicken stored over raw beef. In walk in cooler raw beef stored over cooked beef. Operator moved
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/ 5 employees working with no certified manager present
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. All certificates are expired.
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. 2oz soufflé cup used as scoop in cotija. Operator discarded
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Door handles for each reach in cooler on cook line are soiled
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Compressed air tank not secured behind bar
Food stored on floor. Soda bib boxes stored on the floor behind bar. Operator moved
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Stand up reach in cooler in kitchen
Single-service articles improperly stored. Togo cups and napkins stored on the floor. Operator moved
Walk-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Walk in cooler shelves are soiled
Aug 24, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority3 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 9 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.
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.
Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. In employee bathroom and Handwash sink next to triple sink in kitchen
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Tanks behind bar and large tank next to soda dispenser
Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Handwash sink in kitchen, no hot water faucet
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. In back of kitchen
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
Stored food not covered. Food in walk in freezer not covered.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bucket flour not labeled in store room
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.