TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE
1851 CORDOVA RD, Fort Lauderdale FL 33316 · 954.523.2268
Last inspected Jun 25, 2026 · 8 visits since January 2024
JAN 24
AUG 24
JUL 25
SEP 25
JUN 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 3 live roaches on wall, behind hand wash sign above kitchen hand wash sink.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $600
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2--2025054171 | Jul 18, 2025 | Nov 3, 2025 | $400 |
| 2--2023012626 | Feb 14, 2023 | May 3, 2023 | $200 |
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Jun 25, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 5 findingsThe state's own report →
Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee changed garbage bags, then grabbed two drinks for a customer order, without washing hands first, after instructed employee washed hands.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. December 1, 2025. Per division customer service center, payment was done on March 2026, confirmation # 258626489.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Preparation area-Two used plastic cups inside, employee removed.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. In rear kitchen, build up of yellow like substance, employee cleaned and sanitized.
Show the remaining 1 finding ▾
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Mop inside yellow bucket, employee removed and stored to allow air dry.
Sep 22, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed single door flip top cooler// basil pesto (48F - Cold Holding); shredded lettuce (48F - Cold Holding) at cook line. Per operator, foods not prepped or portioned today; foods stored in cooler for approximately 2 hours. Operator put foods inside walk in freezer to quick chill.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed pink mold like substance on interior of ice machine, in kitchen. Operator cleaned and sanitized during inspection.
Jul 21, 2025□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Observed: Ceiling tile missing. -Observed same. Time Extended.
Jul 19, 2025■ Emergency Order Callback Not CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit while the kitchen was already shut. The problems had not been fixed, so the closure stayed in place. 3 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Observed: Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. -Observed same. Operator unable to renew license online; operator received internal server error while attempting to renew through online portal on www.myfloridalicense.com. Not complied. Administrative Complaint. 10-08-5 Observed: Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. -Complied
Observed: Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. -Observed one live roach on paper towel dispenser above hand wash sink in kitchen. Observed one live roach on floor next to drain under hand wash sink in kitchen. Operator killed roaches during inspection. Not complied. Administrative Complaint.
Observed: Ceiling tile missing. -Observed same. Time Extended.
Jul 18, 2025■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 13 violations recorded, 3 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
3 High priority4 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired 12-01-2024.
Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed Triple Sink (Quaternary 0ppm) in kitchen. Per employee, no other sanitizer available at establishment at this time. Only use single-service items to serve food to customers until sanitizer is available for warewashing.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 3 live roaches on wall, behind hand wash sign above kitchen hand wash sink.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed brush stored inside kitchen hand wash sink. Employee removed.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.
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.
No sanitizer of any kind available for warewashing. Only use single-service items to serve food to customers until sanitizer is available for warewashing. Observed Triple Sink (Quaternary 0ppm) in kitchen. Per employee, no other sanitizer available at establishment at this time.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed accumulation of yellow/ green mold like substance inside ice machine, in kitchen.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed ceiling tiles missing above walk in cooler.
Dead roaches on premises. Observed one dead roach under prep sink at cook line.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee purse stored on dry storage shelf in back area of kitchen.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed ice scoop stored inside ice bin at cook line, handle in contact in with ice. Employee removed.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed case of açaí bowls stored on floor, in kitchen, next to dry storage shelf.
Aug 26, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at handwashing station next to triple sink. Operator provided.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at male restroom.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed at ice machine in front of walk in.
Bathroom facility in disrepair. Observed male restroom toilet clogged up and not functioning.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee at flip top cooler prepping food with bracelets and rings in fingers. Employee complied.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee at flip top table next to oven working with no hair restraint while prepping food.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed at mop sink. Operator stored properly.
Jan 9, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 1 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Jan 8, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 7 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Three door flip top cooler//diced chicken (44F - Cold Holding); deli turkey (48F - Cold Holding); egg yolk (50F - Cold Holding); sliced cheese (52F - Cold Holding). Per operator, foods not prepped or portioned today. Foods stored in cooler for approximately 2 hours. Operator moved items to walk in cooler to quick chill.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed sanitizer bucket stored inside hand wash sink in kitchen. Operator removed.
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed rust on can opener blade, in kitchen.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed accumulation of black mold like substance inside ice machine, in kitchen.
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Three door flip top cooler//diced chicken (44F - Cold Holding); deli turkey (48F - Cold Holding); egg yolk (50F - Cold Holding); sliced cheese (52F - Cold Holding). Per operator, foods not prepped or portioned today. Foods stored in cooler for approximately 2 hours. Operator moved items to walk in cooler to quick chill. Ambient temperature of cooler reads 52F.
Insect control device installed over food preparation area. 1) Observed bug zapper installed above two door flip top cooler in kitchen. 2) Observed bug zapper installed above food prep area, next to dry storage shelf in kitchen.
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.