TROPICAL EATZ
1225 NW 10 AVE, Gainesville FL 32601
Last inspected Sep 15, 2025 · 8 visits since September 2023
□ Not on the state's active licence list
This licence isn't in DBPR's current active file, which usually means the business has closed, been sold, or let the licence lapse. Everything below belongs to this licence, not to whoever may be trading here now. The history stays public because it is a public record.
SEP 23
FEB 24
AUG 24
MAR 25
SEP 25
— STEADY
5 inspections within 5 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. No hot water in truck.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Sep 15, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Sep 8, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 7 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. salmon (50F - Cold Holding); cut cabbage (51F - Cold Holding) items in silver reach in cooler with hot food that is cooling, spoke to operator about cooling hot foods in an ice bath or freezer before placing in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. chicken (122F - Hot Holding); Mac n cheese (127F - Hot Holding) items in steam table set ups with a small amount left in pans. cooked onions (90F - Hot Holding) item sitting on counter at room temperature, operator stated it has only been out for 3 hours, item will be placed on time as a public health control.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. No hot water in truck.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Ceiling by hood vent system with wooden pieces not sealed/covered.
Equipment in poor repair. Blue cutting board no longer smooth.
Food being prepared outside. Fryer outside being used for fried foods. Containers of seasoning on table outside indicating prepping food outside, operator placed seasonings inside.
Wash/Rinse/Sanitizing solution not maintained clean. The rinse step water is soiled with food debris.
Jun 4, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
May 9, 2025Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. Expired certificate J.Joseph 8/8/2024.
Mar 3, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 9 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shell eggs over vegetables in reach in cooler, employee moved eggs to the bottom.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Interior outside smoker/grill.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Pair of scissors in Handwash sink, employee moved scissors.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. Expired certificate J.Joseph 8/8/2024.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Cup with no handle in rice container in outside storage shed.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Ceiling by hood vent system with wooden pieces not sealed/covered.
Clean equipment/dishware/utensils stored next to handwash/food preparation sink exposed to splash. Container of utensils stored by Handwash sink exposed to splash.
Food being prepared outside. Plantains being fried outside in deep fryer.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood vent over stove. The exterior of outside fryer.
Aug 16, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 7 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. cabbage mix (49F - Cold Holding) item in cups in reach in cooler, all other foods are 41F or below. Items were placed in reach in freezer to rapidly cool.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. chicken (120F - Hot Holding) item in hot box, employee stated item has been in hot box for 2 hours.
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/ One manager expired 8/8/2024.
Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Tongs and clean bowl stored outside not protected from the environment. Operator placed items inside truck.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. 2 drinks above clean dishes on drying rack, employee moved drinks.
Food being prepared outside. Chicken soup in warmer on table outside back of food truck. Fryer outside filled with clean cooking oil, operator stated all frying occurs outside next to grills. Hot box on table outside containing empanadas.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Under Handwash sink.
Feb 16, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 5 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. butter (47F - Cold Holding); cabbage (46-51F - Cold Holding) items in reach in cooler by stove, operator placed in freezer to drop temperature. Butter 41, cabbage 36.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. empanadas (130F - Hot Holding) item in hot box on table at cash register, operator turned the heat higher. rice (97F - Hot Holding); cabbage (112F - Hot Holding) items in hot box no more than 1 hour, operator placed items in oven. Rice 177, cabbage 166.
Food stored outside. Black hot box outside of truck on ground, containing cooked rice and veggie, operator placed items inside truck. Empanadas being served on table out front of food truck.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Aluminum pans on outside grills not protected, operator placed back in truck.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Under Handwash sink.
Sep 28, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 4 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. cut cabbage (46F - Cold Holding) operator had 2 oz containers over the fill line operator moved those over. Others were 41 or below.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Butane lighters on top of reach in cooler, operator moved.
Nonfood-contact equipment exposed to splash/spillage not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. Wooden piece under serving window.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Small container by spices, operator labeled salt.
Portable fire extinguisher gauge in red zone. For reporting purposes only. Operator has one other large extinguisher.
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.