VALLARTA'S
11345 SR 54, Odessa FL 33556 · 727-372-0020
Last inspected May 11, 2026 · 12 visits since February 2024
JUN 24
JAN 25
JUN 25
JAN 26
MAY 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 19 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Employee washed hands with cold water. No hot water at least 85F provided in all the handwash sinks in the entire establishment.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
4 cases · $1,200
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2026035845 | May 5, 2026 | Jul 7, 2026 | $400 |
| 3--2026004743 | Jan 16, 2026 | May 6, 2026 | $300 |
| 3--2024039647 | Jun 3, 2024 | Aug 20, 2024 | $300 |
| 3--2022025112 | Mar 30, 2022 | Aug 18, 2022 | $200 |
Inspection history
12 visits, newest first
May 11, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 1 finding
Plumbing system in disrepair. Pipe connecting to hand sink in back prep room to right side of ice machine disconnected. Pipe missing from two compartment sink and back prep room next to walk-in cooler. Pipe not angled over floor drain in back prep room where produce sink is.
May 7, 2026Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 3 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook make line to far right side of kitchen across from oven: sour cream (48F - Cold Holding); pico de gallo with cut tomatoes (48F - Cold Holding); cut lettuce (48F - Cold Holding); shredded mozzarella (49F - Cold Holding); sliced tomatoes (49F - Cold Holding) Walk in cooler: cut tomatoes (46F - Cold Holding); cooked beef (46F - Cold Holding). Manager opened freezer to assist with cooling product. Recommended installing cooler flaps to help with air flow. Manager called service tech.
No proof provided that some food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.
Plumbing system in disrepair. Pipe connecting to hand sink in back prep room to right side of ice machine disconnected. Pipe missing from two compartment sink and back prep room next to walk-in cooler. Pipe not angled over floor drain in back prep room where produce sink is.
May 5, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 6 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook make line to far right side of kitchen across from oven: sour cream (48F - Cold Holding); pico de gallo with cut tomatoes (48F - Cold Holding); cut lettuce (48F - Cold Holding); shredded mozzarella (49F - Cold Holding); sliced tomatoes (49F - Cold Holding) Walk in cooler: cut tomatoes (46F - Cold Holding); cooked beef (46F - Cold Holding). Manager opened freezer to assist with cooling product. Recommended installing cooler flaps to help with air flow. Manager called service tech.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand sink next to ice machine in back prep room, not able to be used because of pipe being disconnected.
No proof provided that some food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.
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.
Food stored on floor. Observed case of bottled water and cases of tortilla chips stored on ground
Plumbing system in disrepair. Pipe connecting to hand sink in back prep room to right side of ice machine disconnected. Pipe missing from two compartment sink and back prep room next to walk-in cooler. Pipe not angled over floor drain in back prep room where produce sink is.
Jan 6, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 12 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority6 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Employee washed hands with cold water. No hot water at least 85F provided in all the handwash sinks in the entire establishment.
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Oliver Cervantes, expired on 11/28/2025.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Multiple food containers stored in handwash sink next to dish machine. A cutting board stored in handwash sink at service station. Operator removed items from handwash sinks.
No hot running water at three-compartment sink. Ran hot water approximately 2 minutes, temped 79F. No hot running water at mop sink. Ran hot water approximately 2 minutes, temped 80F. Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Ran hot water in all handwash sinks approximately 2 minutes, temped 76-77F. Operator fixed water heater issues during inspection, re temped hot water at 100+ F in all sinks.
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/. No approved/updated plan found at OnBase. File number 206736 alcohol machine above hand wash sink not shown on plans at bar area. Three compartment sink not listed on plans in bar. Three compartment sink was removed from service area for waiters to grab orders. Replaced with prep table ovens and coolers not in same place dish machine next to three compartment sink in back kitchen but not in plans.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked beans, cooked chicken and various cooked food in walk-in cooler.
Wash solution in spray-type chemical warewasher less than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Gauge read 87F, inspector's thermometer read 97F.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Throughout kitchen area.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. 2 food employees working at cook line.
Interior of microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Stored food not covered. Cooked chicken, cooked ground beef and various food items in walk-in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. A bag of frozen beef thawing in standing water at back kitchen.
Aug 14, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 3 violations recorded.
0 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
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/. No plans on file. File number 206736 alcohol machine above hand wash sink not shown on plans at bar area. Three compartment sink not listed on plans in bar. Three compartment sink was removed from service area for waiters to grab orders. Replaced with prep table ovens and coolers not in same place dish machine next to three compartment sink in back kitchen but not in plans.
No proof provided that some food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Servers and bartenders with in 60 days of hire.
Ceiling tiles/vents throughout kitchen and dish soiled with accumulated dust.
Jun 12, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 3 violations recorded.
0 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
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/. No plans on file. File number 206736 alcohol machine above hand wash sink not shown on plans at bar area. Three compartment sink not listed on plans in bar. Three compartment sink was removed from service area for waiters to grab orders. Replaced with prep table ovens and coolers not in same place dish machine next to three compartment sink in back kitchen but not in plans.
No proof provided that some food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Servers and bartenders with in 60 days of hire.
Ceiling tiles/vents throughout kitchen and dish soiled with accumulated dust.
Jun 5, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 6 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. License expired 2-1-2025. Manager renewed and current license is validly its 2-1-2026
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Far right make line cojita cheese (52F - Cold Holding); sour cream (52F - Cold Holding); shredded mozzarella (56F - Cold Holding).
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/. No plans on file. File number 206736 alcohol machine above hand wash sink not shown on plans at bar area. Three compartment sink not listed on plans in bar. Three compartment sink was removed from service area for waiters to grab orders. Replaced with prep table ovens and coolers not in same place dish machine next to three compartment sink in back kitchen but not in plans.
No proof provided that some food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Servers and bartenders with in 60 days of hire.
Ceiling tiles/vents throughout kitchen and dish soiled with accumulated dust.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Emailed to operator
Jan 15, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority4 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef over ready to eat sauces walk in cooler employee removed to proper storage
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.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade soiled
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Employee washing knife in hand washing sink.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cook chicken cook beans flan cook beef not dated in walk in cooler made less than 7 days per manager
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. White boards on cooks line
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. 2 employees
Food stored on floor. Oil case on cooks line
Stored food not covered. Cook beans cook peppers cook salsa not covered in walk in cooler
Jun 3, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 9 violations recorded.
0 High priority5 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 9 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.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing.hose connected to hand washing sink by dish washing area. Plates stored inside the sink. Employee removed water hose from faucet. And containers
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/. 10-4-06 lasted plans. File number 206736 alcohol machine above hand wash sink not shown on plans at bar area. Three compartment sink not listed on plans in bar. Three compartment sink was removed from service area for waiters to grab orders. Replaced with prep table ovens and coolers not in same place dish machine next to three compartment sink in back kitchen but not in plans. discussed plans with plan review no updated plans submitted
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. Missing 6 employee
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. Missing 2 employees
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. 1 employee
Food stored on floor. Raw meat in pot on the floor back of kitchen hallway employee removed from floor
Stored food not covered. Walk in cooler cook beans mozzarella cheese cook peppers
Apr 26, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 3 violations recorded.
0 High priority3 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
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/. 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/. 10-4-06 lasted plans. File number 206736 alcohol machine above hand wash sink not shown on plans at bar area. Three compartment sink not listed on plans in bar. Three compartment sink was removed from service area for waiters to grab orders. Replaced with prep table ovens and coolers not in same place dish machine next to three compartment sink in back kitchen but not in plans.
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.
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Mar 4, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority3 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
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/. 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/. 10-4-06 lasted plans. File number 206736 alcohol machine above hand wash sink not shown on plans at bar area. Three compartment sink not listed on plans in bar. Three compartment sink was removed from service area for waiters to grab orders. Replaced with prep table ovens and coolers not in same place dish machine next to three compartment sink in back kitchen but not in plans.
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.
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior black substance above rim
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Walk in cooler shelves
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Reach in cooler were tortillas are stored
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Hand washing sink by ice machine.
Feb 27, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 17 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority4 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
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. Employee touched neck collar and grabbed clean plate no glove change or hand washing observed. Discussed with manager the importance of hand washing pl
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw meat on top of tortilla wraps walk in cooler. Reach. Raw shelled eggs over cooked salsa in walk in cooler.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Employee touched raw meat same gloves than rubbed hands on rag. And touched ready to eat pineapple. No glove change or hand washing. Discussed with management the importance of hand washing.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Reach in cooler on cooks line. Across oven. Cold holding:cheese 47 f cut tomatoes 46 f sour cream 47 cooked salsa 48 f cooked salsa 48 f cook beef 48 f cook peppers 48 f ambient air temperature 51 f all time/temperature control for safety food was brought from walk in cooler to reach in Cooler less than 4 hours. Per operator no temperatures taken today. Employee moved items to walk in cooler 2nd temp salsa 46 f cut lettuce 46 f salsa 46 f Walk in cooler : cook chicken 44 f 43 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.
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/. 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/. 10-4-06 lasted plans. File number 206736 alcohol machine above hand wash sink not shown on plans at bar area. Three compartment sink not listed on plans in bar. Three compartment sink was removed from service area for waiters to grab orders. Replaced with prep table ovens and coolers not in same place dish machine next to three compartment sink in back kitchen but not in plans.
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.
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior black substance above rim
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Employee Drink in white reach in freezer by office
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone on prep counter cooks line employee removed
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. 1 employee
Food stored on floor. Pots of raw meat on the floor in the kitchen. Walk in cooler has raw vegetables in bucket on floor.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Walk in cooler shelves
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Reach in cooler were tortillas are stored
Stored food not covered. Cook beef mozzarella cheese salsa cook chicken not covered walk in cooler.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Hand washing sink by ice machine.
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.