Backwater Fins
Last inspected: Dec 1, 2025
100
Score
Going back to 2022, Backwater Fins has 14 inspections in the public record. On Dec 1, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around one violation, down from roughly six violations earlier in the record.
“Grease receptacle/dumpster not” comes up most often, recorded four times in the inspection record.
The city-wide average for Crystal River sits at 90, putting Backwater Fins on the better side of that line. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 1, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Nov 3, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
High Priority - 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. Observed chlorine sanitizing dishmachine in kitchen at 10 ppm. Operator contacted company to service machine and set up for manual sanitization. **Warning**
22-41-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Handwash sink used as a dump sink with strainer stored in sink. Employee removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-11-4
78
Apr 24, 2025
Complaint Full
No violations found.
100
Mar 24, 2025
Complaint Full
4 critical violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Approval of the septic tank system limits the establishment to a maximum number of seats. The maximum number of seats has been exceeded. Observed approval for 95 seats and 117 seats were observed at time of inspection. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-24: **Time Extended**
28-23-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Establishment operating with increased seating without septic system approval for such change. Observed approval for 95 seats and 117 seats were observed at time of inspection. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-24: **Time Extended**
28-12-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Septic tank system operated beyond approved limitations. Observed approval for 95 seats and 117 seats were observed at time of inspection. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-24: **Time Extended**
28-11-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Sewage on ground from failed septic system. Operator stated septic system has failed and is not working properly and that the drain field is needing to be replaced. Operator is having a septic company pumping out the septic tank once a week. Large holes in ground with dirt coming out. Some area of surrounding ground and drain field is wet and has seapage. The septic area is roped off and employees and customers do not need to walk into the area for operation at the establishment. located department of health who has not been notified of the issue. Tom Daughtery from DOH arrived on site by the end of the inspection. **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-24: Observed no seepage at time of callback inspection. Operator stated they are waiting on the results of the soil testing, once approved the county will approve the permit to replace the drain field. Discussed details of situation with operator. **Admin Complaint**
28-16-5
55
Mar 20, 2025
Complaint Full
6 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Approval of the septic tank system limits the establishment to a maximum number of seats. The maximum number of seats has been exceeded. Observed approval for 95 seats and 117 seats were observed at time of inspection. **Warning**
28-23-4
High Priority - Establishment operating with increased seating without septic system approval for such change. Observed approval for 95 seats and 117 seats were observed at time of inspection. **Warning**
28-12-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shrimp wrapped in bacon stored over ready-to-eat sausage in reach-in cooler with hood on cook line. Employee stored correctly. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Septic tank system operated beyond approved limitations. Observed approval for 95 seats and 117 seats were observed at time of inspection. **Warning**
28-11-4
High Priority - Sewage on ground from failed septic system. Operator stated septic system has failed and is not working properly and that the drain field is needing to be replaced. Operator is having a septic company pumping out the septic tank once a week. Large holes in ground with dirt coming out. Some area of surrounding ground and drain field is wet and has seapage. The septic area is roped off and employees and customers do not need to walk into the area for operation at the establishment. located department of health who has not been notified of the issue. Tom Daughtery from DOH arrived on site by the end of the inspection. **Admin Complaint**
28-16-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed grouper still sealed in ROP packing and completely thawed in reach-in cooler on cook line. See stop sale. **Warning**
01B-13-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at dock bar area. Employee placed paper towels. **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink in dock bar area. Employee placed soap. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-03-4
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed grouper still sealed in ROP packing and completely thawed in reach-in cooler on cook line. See stop sale. **Warning**
06-09-1
Basic - No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment. **Warning**
29-27-4
30
Sep 18, 2024
Complaint Full
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Interior of soda gun nozzle in bar area soiled **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-18: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Oyster tags not marked with last date served. Oyster tags not maintained in chronological order according to the last date they were served in the establishment. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-18: **Time Extended**
01C-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Walk in cooler fan guards **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-18: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
78
Sep 17, 2024
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In walk in cooler with ambient temperature of 44F. Operator last took temperatures at 10am and stayed ambient temperature was 38F. Operator moved items to reach in cooler and freezers to cool. Operator called refrigerator repair company to come diagnose cooler today. lobster bisque (45F - Cold Holding); dirty rice (44F - Cold Holding); sausage (46F - Cold Holding); cooked potatoes (46F - Cold Holding); cooked pasta (46F - Cold Holding); corned beef (47F - Cold Holding); hush puppy batter (47F - Cold Holding); chicken (46F - Cold Holding); canned crab (50F - Cold Holding); buttermilk (51F - Cold Holding); heavy cream (50F - Cold Holding); sour cream (48F - Cold Holding) **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Equipment drain line draining into handwash sink. Strainer in hand wash sink in bar area **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31A-10-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Interior of soda gun nozzle in bar area soiled **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Oyster tags not marked with last date served. Oyster tags not maintained in chronological order according to the last date they were served in the establishment. **Warning**
01C-03-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Walk in cooler fan guards **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Plates on top shelf of rack in cook line area **Warning**
24-05-4
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Red snapper. Operator removed from packaging. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
06-09-1
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Walk in cooler ambient temperature of 44F **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Interior of microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. **Warning**
22-08-4
50
Jul 23, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
37
Dec 18, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
64
Oct 10, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 26 droppings found in rear dry storage room below canned goods rack 9 droppings in prep room under double door reach in freezer and land storage rack 12 under dish machine 3 in corner near burner range/oven 4 in converted oven storage area on cooks line 7 in storage closet in dining area adjacent to sever station 31 in bar area under three compartment sink, under beer tub, in corner near beer tub 1 in front of keg cooler 4 in storage room behind bar behind hot water heater and air duct 23 under cabinets in rear bar **Repeat Violation**
35A-04-4
High Priority - Rodent chew marks observed. -chewed butter packet in corner of dry goods room adjacent to can storage rack **Repeat Violation**
35A-21-4
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Current food manager expired in September.
53A-01-7
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Fish not removed from ROP packaging before being thawed in walk in cooler
06-09-1
Basic - Cooks line Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
22-16-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee cell phone on prep table near cook line. Operator removed
40-06-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. -behind/under bar equipment -in prep room under coolers/rack -in rear storage room -walk in cooler floor **Repeat Violation**
36-73-4
Basic - Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. **Repeat Violation**
33-23-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. In women's room behind rear bar
31B-04-4
50
Aug 10, 2023
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-10: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-10: **Time Extended**
33-23-4
95
Aug 9, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 88 under dry storage rack in prep area of kitchen 10 behind reach in freezer and white chest freezer in prep area 7 under work top stainless steel reach in cooler in prep area 8 behind Ice machine 13 behind desk in office/dry goods room 48 behind/one/in front of filing cabinet and safe in office/dry good storage 13 behind shelf holding single service items and cooking utensils in office/dry storage 78 under/behind bag in box station in office/dry good storage 1 on window a/c unit in office/dry storage 8 under/behind dish machine 4 behind rear kitchen door leading into dining area 26 under/in cabinets behind rear bar 1 in threshold of chemical storage closet in dining room 1 behind ATM machine in dining room 1 under table near bar in front dining room 288 in storage room behind front bar, on shelves, floors and on/between equipment 44 under/behind front bar cabinets, equipment
35A-04-4
High Priority - Rodent burrow or rodent nesting materials present. -At kitchen entrance behind single door white freezer, chewed materials, nesting materials.
35A-21-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Walk in cooler shelves soiled. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - 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. Provided operator with DBPR HR Forms 5030-103 and 5030-104
11-26-1
Intermediate - 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. Provided operator with DBPR HR Forms 5030-103 and 5030-104
11-27-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Behind/ under equipment on cooks line, prep area, dry storage/office, in rear bar, in front bar, in front storage room. **Repeat Violation**
36-73-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice bin. Soda fountain near kitchen prep area entrance, rear top area soiled with mold like substance **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.
33-19-4
Basic - Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. **Repeat Violation**
33-23-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -Soda gun holsters behind both front and rear bar. -fan near ice machine **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Repeat Violation**
33-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. -Multiple reach in coolers on cooks line -white single door reach in freezer at kitchen entrance
22-16-4
39
Feb 23, 2023
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Hose by mop sink by office area outside.
29-34-4
High Priority - Employee with symptoms of vomiting and/or diarrhea working. Certified Food Manager or person in charge failed to exclude the employee. Issued to operator.
11-19-5
High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Using non food grade containers for direct food contact, discussed with operator replacing containers or food grade bags creating a safe barrier between the non food containers and the food items.
14-15-4
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Operator was able to go online and update the license during inspection.confirmation number 22860655115. In addition I was able to pull details and see that it has been updated. **Corrected On-Site**
50-17-3
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter packets in drawer, in service station.
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Interior of walk in cooler shelving soiled. Can opener soiled. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Raw or undercooked oysters offered and establishment has no consumer advisory sign provided on wall, menu, placard, table tent or by any other written means. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Issued operator consumer advisory, via email. Operator printed it out and hung it in the bar area. **Corrected On-Site**
02A-01-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
22-20-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Office area has wires hanging from ceilings Air conditioning duct hanging through ceiling going through prep room into office area. Exposed insulation in wall between office and prep room of kitchen.
36-32-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee lunch box in walk in cooler with other restaurant food items.
40-06-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floors throughout kitchen soiled.
36-73-4
Basic - Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface.
33-23-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave In kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on reach in coolers soiled
23-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid.
33-16-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Soiled discussed with operator proper air drying of clean equipment. operator moved to dish are to have re washed and air dried. Wiping cloths in kitchen area.
21-12-4
25
Jul 19, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Power 7gbacc power over hands washing sink. Operator removed bodybuilder powder from the top of hands Inc. in this area.
41-10-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener. Operator remove can opener and washed it in the three compartment sink at time of inspection **Corrected On-Site**
22-02-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Cooking oil stored on floor Cooking oil was removed from the floor and put on the shelf 6 inches of **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Interior of microwave has accumulation of grease and food debris. Operator and the inside of the microwave clean at time of inspection **Corrected On-Site**
22-08-4
70
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Backwater Fins last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Backwater Fins on file is from Dec 1, 2025. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Backwater Fins?
Across the inspection record, “grease receptacle/dumpster not” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Backwater Fins.
How does Backwater Fins compare to other restaurants in Crystal River?
Backwater Fins most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Crystal River average of 90.
Has Backwater Fins' inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Backwater Fins have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Backwater Fins means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Backwater Fins inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Backwater Fins is inspected around four times per year on average.
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