Backwaters
Last inspected: Jan 20, 2026
100
Score
Across the available record, Backwaters has 14 inspections on file, the first dated 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated Jan 20, 2026. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around seven violations each, up from closer to four violations before.
Looking across the full record, “reach-in freezer located outside with exterior surface rust” is the recurring theme, flagged five times.
Backwaters' latest score of 100 sits above the Clearwater average of 79. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 20, 2026
Complaint Full
No violations found.
100
Dec 29, 2025
Complaint Full
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - 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 updated plan for outside storage. 2 reach in coolers and 2 reach in freezer are permanently covered with locked access. Ice machine and chest freezer missing cover due to hurricanes. Establishment was previously cited on 11/19/25 with a pending callback due on 1/19/26 **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-29: Establishment has submitted plans Reference #I12993871.R6177.C2010 **Time Extended**
51-16-7
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Outdoor ice machine with no overhead protection. - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-29: Establishment has attempted to cover ice machine by utilizing sunshade/tarp. **Time Extended**
08B-61-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. On cook line - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-29: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored outside. Two reach in coolers and 3 reach in freezers located outside on south side of restaurant, only protected from overhead Establishment was previously cited and warned on 11/19/25 with a pending callback due on 1/19/26 **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-29: Establishment still utilizing cold holding units outside. Units can be locked and management will utilize locks to protect food. There currently is no room to store food inside. **Admin Complaint**
08B-42-4
78
Dec 22, 2025
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 13 minor violations.
View 17 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. 2 dented cans (marinara/queso) in dry storage area, removed from inventory
01B-01-4
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw comminuted beef over raw snapper in cooler Order corrected **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. raw snapper (45F - Cold Holding), placed on ice, redemption 39F **Corrected On-Site**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - 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 updated plan for outside storage. 2 reach in coolers and 2 reach in freezer are permanently covered with locked access. Ice machine and chest freezer missing cover due to hurricanes. Establishment was previously cited on 11/19/25 with a pending callback due on 1/19/26 **Repeat Violation**
51-16-7
Basic - Damaged/spoiled/recalled food not properly segregated. 2 dented cans (marinara/queso) in dry storage area, removed from inventory **Corrected On-Site**
08B-20-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee beverage on top of canned goods in office area of kitchen
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Cell phone and shirt on top of clean plates over cooler on cook line, removed **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Cooking oil on floor in kitchen, relocated **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Food stored outside. Two reach in coolers and 3 reach in freezers located outside on south side of restaurant, only protected from overhead Establishment was previously cited and warned on 11/19/25 with a pending callback due on 1/19/26 **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08B-42-4
Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. Multiple hood filters removed for cleaning from above cook line
14-42-4
Basic - Ice bucket/shovel stored outdoor between uses. Staff removed **Corrected On-Site**
10-14-5
Basic - In-use ice scoop for ice machine located outside not stored in a protected manner between uses.
10-13-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Soiled fans hanging from ceiling over cook line
23-03-4
Basic - Outdoor ice machine with no overhead protection.
08B-61-5
Basic - Reach-in freezer located outside with exterior surface rust
14-33-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Raw chicken observed thawing in standing water, removed and placed under cold running water **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. On cook line
14-09-4
30
Nov 19, 2025
Complaint Full
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Knives store in hand sink in back area. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - 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 updated plan for outside storage. 2 reach in coolers and 2 reach in freezer are permanently covered with locked access. Ice machine and chest freezer missing cover due to hurricanes.
51-16-7
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
53B-14-5
Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves in reach in cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
14-05-4
Basic - Food stored outside. Cover for ice machine and reach in freezer was damaged by hurricanes. Cover not replaced yet.
08B-42-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Ice cubes for bar service not covered. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
64
Jul 15, 2025
Complaint Full
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored in a location that is exposed to splash/dust. Outside ice machine missing overhead coverage. Damaged during hurricanes. - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-15: **Time Extended**
08B-36-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Alley stand up cooler where shucked oysters are stored. - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-15: **Time Extended**
14-33-4
90
Jul 14, 2025
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 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. 0 ppm.
22-41-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Scrub pad and knife stored in hand sink in kitchen.
31A-09-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Breading cooler.
29-49-6
Basic - Food stored in a location that is exposed to splash/dust. Outside ice machine missing overhead coverage. Damaged during hurricanes.
08B-36-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Alley stand up cooler where shucked oysters are stored.
14-33-4
67
Jan 22, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Marinara 119f, queso 109f, items put back for reheat. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
03B-01-6
86
Sep 9, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Sep 4, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations.
View 2 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Queso 110f, marinara 120f, items placed back in steamer. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
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. 0 ppm. Service has been called.
22-41-4
74
Apr 30, 2024
Complaint Partial
No violations found.
100
Mar 28, 2024
Routine - Food
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
86
Sep 27, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen area. One fly observed on cooks line.
35A-02-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Slicer.
22-02-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Broken lid for ice machine.
14-11-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Top of door. **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-17-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Both restrooms. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-04-4
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
32-12-5
61
Dec 8, 2022
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Raw fish 50f, raw chicken 50f, found in breading small fridge.
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked ribs.
02C-02-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
36-34-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Cooks line.
12B-07-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
35B-01-4
Basic - Food stored outside. White chest freezer outside on side of building.
08B-42-4
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Expo area. **Corrected On-Site**
10-17-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Service cooler.
12B-13-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Expo two door stand up cooler. **Repeat Violation**
14-33-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Service reach in cooler.
29-49-6
52
Sep 7, 2022
Complaint Full
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Wash solution in spray-type chemical warewasher less than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Measured 100f, in wash tank. - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-07: **Time Extended**
16-53-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - 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. - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-07: **Time Extended**
53B-13-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-07: **Time Extended**
16-21-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-07: **Time Extended**
36-37-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-07: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back door. - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-07: **Time Extended**
35B-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Wall under scrape side of dishwasher. Wall behind server station area missing wall covering. Hole in walk-in next to dry storage rack on left. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-07: **Time Extended**
36-24-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-07: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Stand up reach in in alley where shucked oysters are stored. - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-07: **Time Extended**
14-33-4
58
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Backwaters last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Backwaters on file is from Jan 20, 2026. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Backwaters?
Across the inspection record, “reach-in freezer located outside with exterior surface rust” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Backwaters.
How does Backwaters compare to other restaurants in Clearwater?
Backwaters most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Clearwater average of 79.
Has Backwaters' inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Backwaters have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Backwaters 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 Backwaters inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Backwaters is inspected around four times per year on average.
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