TAQUERIA LA MEXICANA #4
8749 W WATERS AVE, Tampa FL 33615 · 656-204-8827
Last inspected Jul 8, 2026 · 9 visits since October 2023
APR 24
SEP 24
FEB 25
FEB 26
JUL 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 20 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 3 live flies observed flying inside the food truck.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Jul 8, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 8 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority5 Intermediate2 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 8 findingsThe state's own report →
Vacuum breaker missing at splitter added to hose bibb. Located at rear of food truck next to propane tanks.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand washing sink blocked by a stepstool and small fan. Employee unblocked sink at time of inspection.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Mangoes and nectarine are stored inside hand washing sink. Employee removed all fruits at time of Inspection.
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Two large propane tanks stored on ground outside of food truck located at rear of truck. Food truck is blocked in by a metal gazebo located in front of the food truck. Metal awning attached to food truck over service window. One reach in chest freezer stored outside of food truck, opposite side of service window. Bags of gorditas, black beans, and different types of raw meats are stored inside the reach in chest freezer. Outside shed, located to the opposite side of food truck service window, contains single service items as well as three cases of bottled water, three bags of dried chilies, and one bag of dry corn husk. A plan review handout has been provided to the employee at time of inspection.
Show the remaining 4 findings ▾
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. No certificate for Eleny G.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. No hot water available at hand washing sink when turned on. Cold water measured at 86°F.
Food stored outside. One container of oil stored at the outside rear of food truck, next to propane tanks. One reach in chest freezer stored outside of food truck, opposite side of service window. Bags of gorditas, black beans, and different types of raw meats are stored inside the reach in chest freezer. Outside shed, located to the opposite side of food truck service window, contains single service items as well as three cases of bottled water, three bags of dried chilies, and one bag of dry corn husk.
Mobile food dispensing vehicle is not self-propelled or otherwise movable from place to place. Two large propane tanks stored on ground outside of food truck located at rear of truck. Food truck is blocked in by a metal gazebo located in front of the food truck. Metal awning attached to food truck over service window. One reach in chest freezer stored outside of food truck, opposite side of service window. Bags of gorditas, black beans, and different types of raw meats are stored inside the reach in chest freezer. Outside shed, located to the opposite side of food truck service window, contains single service items as well as three cases of bottled water, three bags of dried chilies, and one bag of dry corn husk.
Feb 23, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Employee washed hands with no soap. Observed employee washing hands at three compartment sink without soap. Discussed with operator. Employee rewashed hands at handwash sink with soap.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Frozen corn husks stored in a shopping bag inside reach in chest freezer for ice and fruit pulp. Operator removed from shopping bag and placed inside a food-grade safe bag at time of inspection.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed cook washing hands at three compartment sink without soap. Discussed with operator to only use a handwashing sink for handwashing only. Employee rewashed hands at handwash sink with soap.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board soiled on top of reach in cooler.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Located on top of reach in cooler.
Duct tape used to repair nonfood-contact surface. Gasket of right reach in cooler door repaired with duct tape.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Open bottled water stored on top of service window prep table over take-out bags and canned drinks. Operator relocated water bottle to an approved location at time of inspection.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer for fruit pulp.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets for all reach in chest freezers soiled.
Feb 11, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Employee personal food stored with sale food in reachin cooler near back door.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee personal bag stored with food items under register area.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Employee drink stored in reachin cooler near back door
Sep 24, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Employee entered food truck from outside, then engaged to work with food without wash hands first. Discussed with operator about proper handwashing techniques.
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. Provided a paper copy.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public.
Food stored on floor. Fry oil on floor.
Interior of microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided paper copy, operator posted at time of inspection.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Employee's opened bottled water stored over plantains and whole onions in reach-in cooler.
Jun 17, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. On reach-in cooler.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Food employee wearing multiple bracelets, rings and a watch while preparing food.
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling.
Mobile food dispensing vehicle license number not permanently affixed on the side of the unit in figures at least 2 inches high and in contrasting colors from the background of the vehicle.
Apr 19, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
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.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. On reach-in cooler.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Food employee wearing multiple bracelets, rings and a watch while preparing food.
Food stored on floor. Fry oil stored on floor.
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling.
Mobile food dispensing vehicle is not self-propelled or otherwise movable from place to place. The operator built a permanent awning on the food truck and bolted on ground, the mfdv unable to move from place to place.
Mobile food dispensing vehicle license number not permanently affixed on the side of the unit in figures at least 2 inches high and in contrasting colors from the background of the vehicle.
Apr 18, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 3 live flies observed flying inside the food truck.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed multiple hot food stored on stove top and prep table - Hot holding: cooked chicken 92 F, cooked pork 98 F, cooked pork rib 93 F, black bean rice 127 F, cooked yuca 102 F.
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.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. On reach-in cooler.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Food employee wearing multiple bracelets, rings and a watch while preparing food.
Food stored on floor. Fry oil stored on floor.
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling.
Mobile food dispensing vehicle is not self-propelled or otherwise movable from place to place. The operator built a permanent awning on the food truck and bolted on ground, the mfdv unable to move from place to place.
Mobile food dispensing vehicle license number not permanently affixed on the side of the unit in figures at least 2 inches high and in contrasting colors from the background of the vehicle.
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Service window and back window opened during inspection, no screen protectors installed.
Dec 4, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
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. Provided by email.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling.
Oct 2, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 13 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority4 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Observed employee went outside of the mfdv, then returned and handled food items without washing hands.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken eggs stored over milk in large reach-in cooler. Raw chicken eggs stored over cut onions in small reach-in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. A pot of cooked pork chop (98-101F - Hot Holding) and pot cooked chicken thigh (116-122F - Hot Holding) stored on stove top. Employee reheated at time of inspection, re temped pork chop 182-184F and chicken thighs 267-171F.
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. Provided by email.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Handwash sink blocked by cleaning equipments and electrical outlets stored in the sink. Employee removed items.
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. 1 female employee has 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. Provided and employee signed at time of inspection.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Employee with ineffective hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Food stored on floor. Fry oil on floor.
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Water leaking from pipe under handwash sink while in used.
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.