WAUCHULA FAMILY RESTAURANT
502 S 6 AVE, Wauchula FL 33873 · 863-767-0560
Last inspected Jul 29, 2026 · 13 visits since October 2023
SEP 24
NOV 24
JUL 25
JAN 26
JUL 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed one live roach behind shelf behind three compartment sink in dish room.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $800
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2025001327 | Nov 20, 2024 | Apr 23, 2025 | $400 |
| 7--2024054019 | Sep 16, 2024 | Nov 14, 2024 | $400 |
Inspection history
13 visits, newest first
Jul 29, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate8 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 9 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw pork over cooked spaghetti noodles in the reach in cooler on the cook line, owner moved pork to bottom shelf.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed stack of cups in the wait staff area with water in between and not air drying properly.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gasket torn in reach in freezer in the kitchen.
Food stored on floor. Observed three cases of seasoning on floor in the kitchen, owner corrected.
Show the remaining 5 findings ▾
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Owner removed.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed handle of scoop in the flour on shelf, employee corrected.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometer in the reach in cooler in front of kitchen, owner replaced.
No hot running water at mop sink.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hoods soiled with grease.
Jan 21, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority0 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw hard shell eggs over a container of feta cheese in the reach in cooler on the cook line, owner moved the eggs.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw ground beef over raw Swai fish on the shelve in the walk in cooler, employee moved.
Stop Sale issued due to adulteration of food product. Observed a bin of flour with Weevils in it, owner voluntarily discarded.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed 3 CO2 tanks not secured in the kitchen next to walk in cooler, owner secured with a chain.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed floor in walk in freezer not smooth or durable.
Food stored on floor. Observed a case of pork on the floor in the walk in freezer.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup up in the walk in freezer on the door.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hoods over the fryer, wall next to the fryer and the floor under and behind equipment soiled with grease.
Open dumpster lid.
Oct 1, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed debris on the top of the dish machine.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed cook with no beard guard on.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed floors not smooth or durable in walk in cooler and freezer.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup in reach in freezer in the kitchen.
No hot running water at mop sink.
Jul 31, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 14 recorded.
0 High priority2 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.
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. Three out of four employees do not have any proof of training.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed debris on the top of the dish machine.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Observed a case of Octopus in walk in freezer and snapper in the walk in cooler that is personal food and not segregated from restaurant food.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed cook with no beard guard on.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed floors not smooth or durable in walk in cooler and freezer.
Food stored on floor. Observed a case of salad mix on the floor in the walk in cooler, owner placed on shelf.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup in reach in freezer in the kitchen.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed two ice scoops handle in ice in the back of kitchen, owner corrected.
No hot running water at mop sink.
Open dumpster lid, owner closed.
Stored food not covered. Observed two pans of meatballs in reach in freezer not covered, owner covered.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed mop in mop sink not properly air drying.
Jan 22, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling tile with a hole in it next to the vent in the back of kitchen next to the stand up freezer.
Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Observed small part of the floor in disrepair right by the white stand up freezer in back of kitchen.
Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Observed build up of grease around receptacle and the receptacle is on grass and not a nonabsorbent surface.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed a 6x6 foot hole in the wall behind white stand up freezer in back of kitchen.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup in white stand up reach in freezer in back of kitchen.
No hot running water at mop sink.
Screen in door torn/in poor repair. Observed back door in the kitchen screen is torn on the door. Observed screen on window in the dish room area torn.
Screening is not 16-mesh to the inch. Observed screen larger than 16 inch mesh on back screen door.
Jan 22, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Under all equipment in the kitchen and the walk in freezer and walk in cooler.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Thought the kitchen and walk in freezer.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer. Stand up reach in freezer next to the cook line.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall in the kitchen area and walk in cooler area soiled.
Nov 21, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority4 Intermediate13 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
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/ Extension given to 1/19/25.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed a slicer with food debris on the blade and located in the dish room on shelve.
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. Extension given to 1/19/25. Certificates are not valid due to expired certified serve safe manager who signed the certificates.
Packaged food not labeled as specified by law. Four containers that were not labeled on the outside. In the back of kitchen, two on a shelf and two on a stand next to it.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling tile with a hole in it next to the vent in the back of kitchen next to the stand up freezer.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on freezer and located in prep area in wait staff area.
Equipment in poor repair. Shelves in dish room under prep table, are rusted and have a hole in the shelves.
Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Observed small part of the floor in disrepair right by the white stand up freezer in back of kitchen.
Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Observed build up of grease around receptacle and the receptacle is on grass and not a nonabsorbent surface.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed a 6x6 foot hole in the wall behind white stand up freezer in back of kitchen.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup in white stand up reach in freezer in back of kitchen.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave in kitchen area next to cook line is soiled.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. No ambient thermometer in reach in cooler by prep table by wait staff area.
No hot running water at mop sink.
Screen in door torn/in poor repair. Observed back door in the kitchen screen is torn on the door. Observed screen on window in the dish room area torn.
Screening is not 16-mesh to the inch. Observed screen larger than 16 inch mesh on back screen door.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed walls soiled in the kitchen area behind equipment and walls soiled in walk in cooler.
Nov 20, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
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/ Minas Ioannidis 5/13/19 the only CFM for the establishment.
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.
Equipment in poor repair. Shelves under all preparation table in the dishwasher area rusted.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Under all equipment in the kitchen and the walk in freezer and walk in cooler.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Thought the kitchen and walk in freezer.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer. Stand up reach in freezer next to the cook line.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall in the kitchen area and walk in cooler area soiled.
Nov 20, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 23 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority5 Intermediate15 Basic
Show 23 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed approximately 10 small flying insects in dish room area.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed hard shell raw eggs over ready to eat pasta in reach in cooler on the cook line, owner moved the eggs to another shelf. Raw bacon located over ready to eat gravy and spaghetti sauce in walk in cooler.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed one live roach behind shelf behind three compartment sink in dish room.
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/ Extension given to 1/19/25.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed a slicer with food debris on the blade and located in the dish room on shelve.
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. Extension given to 1/19/25. Certificates are not valid due to expired certified serve safe manager who signed the certificates.
Packaged food not labeled as specified by law. Four containers that were not labeled on the outside. In the back of kitchen, two on a shelf and two on a stand next to it.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed unlabeled bottle with chemical in it located in dish room on the shelf, owner put a label on it.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling tile with a hole in it next to the vent in the back of kitchen next to the stand up freezer.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on freezer and located in prep area in wait staff area.
Equipment in poor repair. Shelves in dish room under prep table, are rusted and have a hole in the shelves.
Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Observed small part of the floor in disrepair right by the white stand up freezer in back of kitchen.
Food stored on floor. Observed fryer oil on floor next to reach in freezer and two cases of packaged mashed potatoes on the floor in a small storage area next to dish room, owner moved and put up.
Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Observed build up of grease around receptacle and the receptacle is on grass and not a nonabsorbent surface.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed a 6x6 foot hole in the wall behind white stand up freezer in back of kitchen.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup in white stand up reach in freezer in back of kitchen.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave in kitchen area next to cook line is soiled.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. No ambient thermometer in reach in cooler by prep table by wait staff area.
No hot running water at mop sink.
Screen in door torn/in poor repair. Observed back door in the kitchen screen is torn on the door. Observed screen on window in the dish room area torn.
Screening is not 16-mesh to the inch. Observed screen larger than 16 inch mesh on back screen door.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed utensils in wait staff area not inverted. Owner corrected the utensils putting them handle up.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed walls soiled in the kitchen area behind equipment and walls soiled in walk in cooler.
Sep 17, 2024Emergency Order Callback Time ExtensionRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
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/ Minas Ioannidis 5/13/19 the only CFM for the establishment.
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 running water at mop sink.
Equipment in poor repair. Shelves under all preparation table in the dishwasher area rusted.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Under all equipment in the kitchen and the walk in freezer and walk in cooler.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Thought the kitchen and walk in freezer.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer. Stand up reach in freezer next to the cook line.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of the broiler oven on the cook line soiled.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Hand washing sink in the men's bathroom.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall in the kitchen area and walk in cooler area soiled.
Sep 16, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 19 violations recorded, 6 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
6 High priority4 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 19 findings ▾
Employee dried hands on a soiled apron after washing. The employee properly washed their hands and died them with a paper towel.
Live rodent present. Observed 1 live rodent climbing out of a container containing janitorial supplies on the floor in the dry storage area.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw ground beef patties stored over cooked spaghetti noodles, in the kitchen area the reach in cooler on the cook line. Raw shell eggs stored over ready to eat sauces in the walk in cooler. Owner removed the eggs and the ground beef.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 40 rodent droppings in container containing janitorial supplies in dry storage area. Observed approximately 50 rodent droppings on the floor in dry storage area. Observed approximately 100 rodent droppings under the preparations tables in the dish room area. Observed approximately 10 rodent droppings beside and behind reach in freezer in the kitchen.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. All the following items were stored in the glass door reach in cooler in the wait station area. Butter (62F - Cold Holding); Cheese cake (59F - Cold Holding); Sour cream (61F - Cold Holding). Owner stated the items were stored in the reach in cooler overnight. Owner discarded the items.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. All the following items were stored in the glass door reach in cooler in the wait station area. Butter (62F - Cold Holding); Cheese cake (59F - Cold Holding); Sour cream (61F - Cold Holding). Owner stated the items were stored in the reach in cooler overnight. Owner discarded the items.
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/ Minas Ioannidis 5/13/19 the only CFM for the establishment.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Hand washing sink next to the cook line. Employee placed towels at the hand washing sink.
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 running water at mop sink.
Equipment in poor repair. Shelves under all preparation table in the dishwasher area rusted.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Under all equipment in the kitchen and the walk in freezer and walk in cooler.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Thought the kitchen and walk in freezer.
Food stored on floor. Several containers stored on the floor in the kitchen and dry storage area. Employee placed the items on a shelf.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer. Stand up reach in freezer next to the cook line.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of the broiler oven on the cook line soiled.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Hand washing sink in the men's bathroom.
Sanitizing solution for wiping cloths not free of food debris and visible soil. Owner replaced the sanitizer solution.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall in the kitchen area and walk in cooler area soiled.
Feb 1, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 9 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Operator states he cannot pay online the system shows zero balance. Has tried to call and has not been able to get through or the person on phone states that he shows a zero balance. This has occurred for the last 3 or 4 years.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw bacon stored over unwashed produce, peppers in walk-in cooler.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw shrimp in walk-in cooler. Operator rearranged cooler.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at cookline. Operator replaced.
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 had all employees read sogn and date during inspection.
Equipment in poor repair. Walking freezer door rusted and broken at bottom. Ice buildup on door. Foods all frozen hard.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed frozen chicken, beef,and hamburger all in same sink thawing at room temperature with no water running. At time all foods frozen solid and still packaged. no contamination occurring. Operator removed beef and burger to walk-in and had water fill sink and run on chicken packages and down drain.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.Observed floor in walk-in freezer of unsealed concrete and broken. No longer cleanable.
Oct 18, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Found at 0ppm employee primed and corrected to 50ppm.
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. Inspector provided form and employees onsite read and signed and dated roster during inspection.
Warewashing machine not automatically dispensing the detergent and/or the sanitizer. Observed Dish-machine not dispensing sanitizer. 0ppmCorrected by employee priming machine
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Cook at cookline with no hair restraint.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed under water that was barely running/dripping. Water running on to frozen meats no longer frozen throughout.water not running off and down drain only into sink basin with food items.
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.