TIJUANA FLATS
13009 US HWY 301, Riverview FL 33578 · 813-257-9250
Last inspected Jan 30, 2026 · 8 visits since August 2023
JAN 24
JUL 24
FEB 25
SEP 25
JAN 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 20 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
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. Sent to operator at time of inspection.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Jan 30, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority6 Intermediate6 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 13 findingsThe state's own report →
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 John Ruszkowski
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on steam table.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Employee bag blocking hand wash sink on cook line. Removed at time of inspection.
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/ observed 4 employees working with no certified food manager on site.
Show the remaining 9 findings ▾
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At hand wash sink near 3 compartment sink, manager replaced at time of inspection.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Chemical spray bottle not labeled. Manager labeled at time of inspection.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl with no handle in sugar, manager removed at time of inspection.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Ice bucket not inverted, manager inverted at time of inspection.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board on steam table.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee bag hanging next to tortillas. Manager removed at time of inspection.
Food stored on floor. Container of chips on floor.
Open dumpster lid.
Marked exit/path to marked exit blocked. For reporting purposes only. Back door blocked with trash can.
Oct 15, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority2 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Beef 45 F in walk in cooler, manager closed walk in cooler door.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Sanitizer bucket in handwash sink across from 3 compartment sink, manager removed at time of inspection.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Manager replaced at time of inspection.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Portion cup in seasoning.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on prep table.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee head phones on cutting board, manager removed at time of inspection. Employee hats on soda boxes.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Containers wet nesting above 3 compartment sink.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back door.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. In ice bin next to register.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Container lids not inverted in dry storage. Manager inverted at time of inspection.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. In mop sink.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Container of seasoning not labeled.
Sep 22, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 14 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority4 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Beef 45 F in walk in cooler, manager closed walk in cooler door.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Sanitizer bucket in handwash sink across from 3 compartment sink, manager removed at time of inspection.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. Manager Jovanne R.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Manager replaced at time of inspection.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Manager provided one food handler certification at time of inspection.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Portion cup in seasoning.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on prep table.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee head phones on cutting board, manager removed at time of inspection. Employee hats on soda boxes.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Containers wet nesting above 3 compartment sink.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back door.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. In ice bin next to register.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Container lids not inverted in dry storage. Manager inverted at time of inspection.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. In mop sink.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Container of seasoning not labeled.
Feb 12, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Rice 127 F in steam table.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Manager provided 4 food handler certifications.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Chemical spray bottle not labeled on storage shelf.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Portion cup in salsa.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on cutting board and prep tables throughout kitchen.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Speaker on shelf with tortillas.
Food stored on floor. Container of chips on floor.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At handwash sink next to prep sink.
Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Sanitizer bucket on shelf with plates.
Sep 12, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Sour cream 59 F in reach in cooler on cook line. Manager placed sour cream to the bottom of cooler.
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. At handwash sink on cook line.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on shelf with portion cups.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Speaker on shelf with plastic bowls.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Containers wet nesting next to 3 compartment sink.
In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Scoop handle in cheese in reach in cooler on cook line.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Sanitizer bucket stored next to plates.
Jul 15, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 12 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority3 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Sour cream 59 F in reach in cooler on cook line. Manager placed sour cream to the bottom of cooler.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Manager Matthew Gautier
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. At handwash sink on cook line.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Chemical spray bottle not labeled on shelf next to prep sink.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on shelf with portion cups.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Speaker on shelf with plastic bowls.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Containers wet nesting next to 3 compartment sink.
In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Scoop handle in cheese in reach in cooler on cook line.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Sanitizer bucket stored next to plates.
Stored food not covered. Tea bags not covered over tea machine. Employee covered at time of inspection.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Fry seasoning not labeled, employee labeled at time of inspection.
Jan 11, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority5 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee pick up plate off the floor and began making a burrito without changing gloves and washing hands.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed employee wash hands in prep sink.
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. Sent to operator at time of inspection.
Food manager certification expired. 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 Matthew Gautier expired 12/6/2023.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Glove in handwash sink on cook line. Employee removed at time of inspection.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Chemical spray bottle not labeled next to steam table.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on prep table.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone and changer above prep table.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back door.
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. Hood filters are removed to be cleaned.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Container of seasoning not labeled above prep table, operator labeled at time of inspection.
Aug 8, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Splitter on the wrong location at faucet.
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 printed and had employees sign at time of inspection.
Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. No consumer advisory. Steak is cooked to customer liking. Operator posted consumer advisory at time of inspection.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl with no handle in container of sugar.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on shelf above onions.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone on shelf above onions.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Containers wet nesting above 3 Compartment Sink.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Gap at the bottom of back door.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs on fryer door handle, employee removed at time of inspection.
In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Scoop handle in cheese.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No hand wash sign at handwash sink next to ice machine.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Portion cup lids not inverted at sauce station.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
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.