TAQUERIA MORELIA INC
961 B W PALM DR, Florida City FL 33034 · 305-989-2240
Last inspected Mar 19, 2026 · 8 visits since August 2023
JAN 24
DEC 24
MAR 25
OCT 25
MAR 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and D. 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. Observed live fly in kitchen landing on preparation table.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Mar 19, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 16 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority0 Intermediate12 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 16 findingsThe state's own report →
Chlorine sanitizer used to sanitize clean in place equipment not at proper minimum strength. Do not use equipment not properly sanitized. Observed Triple Sink (Chlorine Oppm). Operator reset Triple Sink (Chlorine 100ppm).
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. Observed food employee touched soiled apron and began plating food to serve to customers. Coach employee.
Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - ready-to-eat food used for multiple menu items, some of which will not be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Observed cook touched chopped onions and chopped peppers with bare hands to serve to customers. Coach employee. Employee voluntarily discarded products.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cook beef (67F - Cold Holding); ground beef (60F - Cold Holding) at preparation table across handwash sink. As per cook for less than 2 hours. Cook placed products in reach cooler.
Show the remaining 12 findings ▾
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed walls heavily ice bin with accumulation of black mold like substance.
Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first. Observed soiled cardboard on floor in the kitchen and near exit door. Coach person in charge.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed microwave soiled ceiling vents soiled at front counter.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee open water bottle stored at prep table across cook line. Coach employee.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gasket torn at reach in cooler across cook line
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed gap on the side of exit door.
Food stored on floor. Observed bowl used 2 gallons of oil stored on floor near kitchen handwash sink. Coach employee
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave soiled with old food debris.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed at dining room dry storage area box of napkins and cup stored on floor. Coach employee.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed at reach in cooler across cook line.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Observed unwashed produce stored over tortillas at reach in cooler near exit door.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed brown wiping cloth at prep table near kitchen entrance. Coach employees.
Oct 14, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Chlorine sanitizer used to sanitize clean in place equipment not at proper minimum strength. Do not use equipment not properly sanitized. Observed Triple Sink (Chlorine Oppm). Operator reset Triple Sink (Chlorine 100ppm)
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee changing gloves without washing their hands, coached employee on proper procedures for changing gloves.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shrimp stored over cooked shredded beef at reach in freezer. Coached operator on proper storing procedures for raw animal food. Operator stored raw shrimp properly.
Observed chlorine chemical test kits expired.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets torn at reach in cooler located across cook line.
Open dumpster lid.
Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Observed Slow draining water at hand sink located next to the three compartment sink at front counter.
Mar 3, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observe employee changing gloves without washing their hands, coached employee on properly procedures.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observe cooked chicken (123F - Hot Holding) and cooked beans (78F - Hot Holding) at cook line, as per employee approximately 1 hour, employee proceed to reheat food. cooked chicken (169F - Reheating); cooked beans (181F - Reheating)
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/
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observe cooked chicken and cooked steak not date marked inside reach in cooler at cook line, as per employee over 24 hours, employee dated food during inspection.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Observe personal food on preparation table across flat grill, employee removed during inspection.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observe personal phone stored on shelves at preparation area, employee removed during inspection.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Observe establishment licensed for 15 seats, observe approximately 33 seats.
Food stored on floor. Observe cooking oil container stored on floor at kitchen area, employee stored properly during inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observe cooked beef stew container (frozen) on preparation table at kitchen area, employee moved food container to reach in cooler for a proper thawing method.
Dec 3, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Operator is not properly tracking/marking the number of days ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite was held at refrigeration temperatures prior to freezing in order to properly date mark the food when it is thawed and held at refrigeration temperatures again. Observed frozen cooked chicken stored in reach in freezer not date marked.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked chicken stored in reach in cooler across from stove not date marked.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed ceiling nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation area throughout the kitchen area.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Observed establishment licensed for 15 seats but observed 32.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed floor tile missing in back of kitchen near reach in freezer.
Dec 2, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 15 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority4 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed live fly in kitchen landing on preparation table.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed Beef (50F - Cold Holding) Cooked Chicken (50F - Cold Holding); Beef Soup (51F - Cold Holding) stored in reach in cooler. As per operator, they were cooked the previous day. Stop Sale Issued
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Beef (50F - Cold Holding) Cooked Chicken (50F - Cold Holding); Beef Soup (51F - Cold Holding) stored in reach in cooler. As per operator, they were cooked the previous day. Stop Sale Issued.
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed establishment does not identify ceviche as raw on menu.
Operator is not properly tracking/marking the number of days ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite was held at refrigeration temperatures prior to freezing in order to properly date mark the food when it is thawed and held at refrigeration temperatures again. Observed frozen cooked chicken stored in reach in freezer not date marked.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked chicken stored in reach in cooler across from stove not date marked.
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. Observed Juan and Faviola with expired training on 01/05/24.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed ceiling nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation area throughout the kitchen area.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee phone stored on preparation table near single service cups.
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Observed establishment licensed for 15 seats but observed 32.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed floor tile missing in back of kitchen near reach in freezer.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Observed food storage container with cracked lid inside reach in cooler near three compartment sink.
Food stored on floor. Observed cooking oil stored on floor near handwashing sink in kitchen. Also observed a box of ribs stored on floor near back exit door.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed shelves above three compartment sink pitted with rust.
Jan 16, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked onions at 101° F stored above the grill, as per employee less than 30 minutes. Employee placed the container on top of the grill to reheat it at 165° F
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed ceiling nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation area throughout the kitchen 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. Observed employees do not use 3 compartment sink correctly.employees were coached how to set up 3 compartment sink.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Observed 2 broken container lids inside the reach in cooler.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed at the reach in freezer at the front.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled
Open dumpster lid.
Stored food not covered. Observed food inside the reach in cooler not covered.
Aug 8, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed throughout the establishment.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled.
Aug 7, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 9 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed pooled eggs stored above cook beef.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed tomatoes (51 F - Cold Holding) tripe (47 F - Cold Holding); tongue (48 F - Cold Holding) chorizo (49 F - Cold Holding); shrimp ceviche (49 F - Cold Holding); fish ceviche (52 F - Cold Holding). As per employee food were stored inside reach in cooler yesterday and the tomatoes were placed at 10:00 am. Stop sale was issued.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed tomatoes (51 F - Cold Holding) tripe (47 F - Cold Holding); tongue (48 F - Cold Holding) chorizo (49 F - Cold Holding); shrimp ceviche (49 F - Cold Holding); fish ceviche (52 F - Cold Holding). As per employee food were stored inside reach in cooler yesterday and the tomatoes were placed at 10:00 am. Stop sale was issued.
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 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.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed throughout the establishment.
Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. Operator was instructed how to set up 3 compartment sink. 3 compartment sink was set up properly.
Food stored on floor. Observed a pot with raw chicken stored on the floor by the 3 compartment sink.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled.
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.