WOODLANDS EXPRESS
4816 N UNIVERSITY DR, Lauderhill FL 33351 · 4074519525
Last inspected May 11, 2026 · 9 visits since August 2023
APR 24
JUL 24
MAR 25
SEP 25
MAR 26
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections trending down, 27 points off where it started.
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. Bulletin provided to be posted.
★ 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--2022055369 | Nov 3, 2022 | Dec 21, 2022 | $200 |
| 2--2015046329 | Oct 15, 2015 | Nov 13, 2015 | $400 |
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
May 11, 2026Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 12 violations recorded.
0 High priority5 Intermediate7 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 12 findingsThe state's own report →
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -Observed accumulation of black mold like substances buildup on can opener blade.
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 no manager on duty at the 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.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed no date marked on various sauces and soups stored in walk in cooler. Per operator, items cooked on 03/03/2026.
Show the remaining 8 findings ▾
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. -Observed an unlabeled spray bottle with degreaser at dish washing area.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl used to dispense sauce in walk in cooler.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employees engaging food preparation with no hair restraint
Food stored on floor. -Observed various food items stored on walk in cooler floor. -Observed container with soy sauce stored on dry storage floor. Operator removed to shelf.
In-use tongs stored on oven door handle between uses.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed accumulation on brown like substances buildup on can opener holster.
Stored food not covered. -Observed containers with sauces and soups stored in walk in cooler not covered -Observed uncovered containers with flour and chickpeas stored in dry storage room.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. -Observed case with unwashed squash stored over peeled and cut onions in walk in cooler.
Mar 5, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 15 violations recorded.
0 High priority6 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -Observed accumulation of black mold like substances buildup on can opener blade.
No chlorine chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
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 no manager on duty at the 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.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed no date marked on various sauces and soups stored in walk in cooler. Per operator, items cooked on 03/03/2026.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. -Observed an unlabeled spray bottle with degreaser at dish washing area.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl used to dispense sauce in walk in cooler.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employees engaging food preparation with no hair restraint
Food stored on floor. -Observed various food items stored on walk in cooler floor. -Observed container with soy sauce stored on dry storage floor. Operator removed to shelf.
In-use tongs stored on oven door handle between uses.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed accumulation on brown like substances buildup on can opener holster.
Stored food not covered. -Observed containers with sauces and soups stored in walk in cooler not covered -Observed uncovered containers with flour and chickpeas stored in dry storage room.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed fish thawing in standing water in kitchen.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. -Observed case with unwashed squash stored over peeled and cut onions in walk in cooler.
Nov 18, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 6 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Kitchen stove; butter (72F - Hot Holding). As per operator food not portioned or prepared today. Observed food on stove with no heat being applied. Operator turned on. Food to be reheated to 165F
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Handwash sink with green scratch pad covered in food debris.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Unable to locate test strips
Ceiling tile missing. In dry storage area, missing ceiling tile
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Ice scoop on dirty surface
Stored food not covered. In kitchen and dry storage room, multiple bulk containers of non TCS foods stored with no cover.
Sep 24, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 14 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority7 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Kitchen stove; butter (72F - Hot Holding). As per operator food not portioned or prepared today. Observed food on stove with no heat being applied. Operator turned on. Food to be reheated to 165F
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed operator wash hands inside triple sink
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Handwash sink with green scratch pad covered in food debris.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Unable to locate test strips
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 soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at hand wash sink next to dish washing area
Records/documents for required employee training appear to be falsified. Observed employee certificate written in pen. Roni Cruz 09-12-23 (Completion date) 11-17-27 (Expiration Date)
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled spray bottle in triple sink area, not labeled.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl used as scoop in dry storage room for container of sugar. Operator removed
Ceiling tile missing. In dry storage area, missing ceiling tile
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employee engaging in food prep, no hair restraint.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Ice scoop on dirty surface
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. No light shield in kitchen, covering ceiling light.
Stored food not covered. In kitchen and dry storage room, multiple bulk containers of non TCS foods stored with no cover.
Mar 17, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In Avantco lowboy reach in cooler by kitchen door, carton of raw shell eggs and package of raw bacon on shelf above open gallon of milk and container of sauce. Manager moved both items to bottom of cooler for proper separation.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Prep table holding stand mixer has build up of flour and dried liquids.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test kit.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Multiple containers of sauce in walk in googled missing date marked when prepared. Per manager none over 3 days old.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Metal scoop missing handle in bulk container of MSG on dry goods rack. Manager removed scoop.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Large clean cooking pots in dish area not inverted. Employee inverted all pots.
Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Employee container of water with straw and no lid on cooking cart by flattop unit in kitchen.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee cell phone next to spice containers on shelf above kitchen fliptop unit.
Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Areas of floor around cookline and under shelves in middle of kitchen area have food debris buildup.
Food stored on floor. 1) Cases of plastic bottled water on floor behind front bar space. 2) Container of raw onions and bucket of sauce on floor in walk in cooler.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. 1) In glassfront and Avantco reach in coolers in kitchen. Employee returned thermometers to both units. 2) Ambient thermometer on exterior of walk in cooler not working. Manager placed extra probe thermometer in cooler.
Reach-in cooler/freezer interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Liquid food residue frozen in bottom of white upright freezer in back of kitchen. Employee began to clean unit.
Stored food not covered. 1) Bulk container of rice on shelf in kitchen not covered. 2) Multiple food items in walk in cooler at proper temperature not covered. Manager had employee start covering all items.
Jul 11, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test kit.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. 1) Unknown substance in spray bottle by triple sink. Employee labeled as Fabuloso. 2) Unknown substance in spray bottle at front service area. Employee labeled as table cleaner.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Kitchen glassfront and 2 door lowboy coolers missing ambient thermometers
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Ground coconut bulk container on shelf by cookline missing label. Manager replaced label.
Apr 16, 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 ▾
Chemical test kit not used to ensure proper sanitization of equipment and utensils when using a chemical sanitizer. No chlorine test kit used to check chlorine sanitizer at Dishwasher
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. spray bottle containing purple liquid identified as a degreaser Manager labeled spray bottle
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Bowl with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl used to dispensed cooked potatoes
Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized.
Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed.
Stored food not covered. Cooked potatoes, Cooked beets And cooked lentils in Walk In Cooler
Wall soiled with accumulated grease and food debris
Jan 22, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
5 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. One #10 can baby corn dented in dry storage.
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 on cook line handled wrapped new piece of equipment and returned to preparing stuffed samosas without washing hands and changing gloves first. Stopped employee and reviewed hand wash procedures. Employee washed hands.
Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Can of household pesticide on shelf near kitchen hand sink. Manager discarded can.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In fliptop lower cooler, partial carton raw shell eggs above container of lentil sauce. Employee moved eggs to bottom of cooler.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Employee left cook line, handled wrapped new piece of cooking equipment, and returned to cook line to prep food item without changing gloves. Stopped employee, reviewed hand wash procedures, and employee washed hands and changed gloves.
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. Bulletin provided to be posted.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Multiple food items in walk in cooler not date marked for when prepared. Per manager, all more than 24 hrs in unit.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unknown substance in spray bottles on shelf at entrance to kitchen, on cart near cook line, and on table in front service area under counter.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Metal cups in bulk containers of salt and sugar. Manager removed cups.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Small CO2 tank near back door not secured.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee cell phones on top of chest freezer by cook line and on shelf above fliptop unit next to dry spices.
Stored food not covered. 1) Containers of salt, sugar, and spices on dry goods shelf by cook line missing lids. Employee replaced lids. 2) Multiple food items in walk in cooler at proper temperature not covered.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall opposite walk in cooler soiled with food debris.
Aug 28, 2023Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 8 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority3 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter 70, veggie sauce 67. Observed at no temperature control. Food outside temperature less than 4 hours. Operator move foods to walk in cooker.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
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.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Dal, veggies stew, prepared on 6/24 not date marked. Operator date marked.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowls in rice and sugar containers. Operator removed.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee bag stored next to flour. Operator removed.
Stored food not covered. Sugar and spices on dry storage shelves not covered. Operators covered.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed 2 wet soiled clothes on prep table in kitchen. Operator removed and placed in solution.
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.