Big Water Fish Market
Last inspected: Apr 6, 2026
55
Score
Big Water Fish Market appears in inspection records 12 times, starting in 2022. The most recent report on file is from Apr 6, 2026. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around three violations to closer to seven violations.
“Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing five times across the record.
By comparison, the average Sarasota facility scores 81, putting Big Water Fish Market on the weaker side. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
12
Inspections
2
Critical latest
2
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 6, 2026
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed employee rinsing dishes in water and no sanitation. Employee set up three compartment sink sanitizer to 200ppm. **Corrective Action Taken**
22-43-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed 3lb. Tuna defrosted in bag in reach in cooler. Informed employee of stop sale.
01B-13-4
Intermediate - Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served. **Repeat Violation**
01C-03-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink.Observed no paper towels at front counter hand washing sink. **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
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 3lb. Tuna defrosted in bag in reach in cooler. Informed employee of stop sale.
06-09-1
Basic - Food stored on floor.Observed bag of red onions on floor in kitchen. Employee relocated. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
55
Jan 15, 2026
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at front counter hand wash sink.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served.Observed some tags not marked with last date. **Repeat Violation**
01C-03-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand wash sink above mop sink. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Repeat Violation**
31B-03-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed deli container without handle in panko crumb container.
14-01-5
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. **Repeat Violation**
51-11-4
Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken.Observed rice in cracked large measuring container. Employee removed. **Corrected On-Site**
14-38-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed knife in 70F water at front counter.
10-07-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.Observed grease buildup on hood filters.
23-03-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler.Observed in reach in cooler between kitchen and front area.
29-49-6
55
Aug 20, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed rtu sanitizer spray next to condensed milk on dry storage shelf. Employee removed. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served.Observed many tags not dated. Chronological order not observed for all tags.
01C-03-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink.Observed no soap or paper towels at front counter and mop sink area hand washing sinks. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Repeat Violation**
31B-03-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed near dry storage entrance. Employee secured tank. **Corrected On-Site**
51-11-4
Basic - Duct tape used to repair nonfood-contact surface. Observed duct tape on reach in cooler handles on cook line.
14-71-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall.Observed 2" hole in wall behind pre rinse at triple sink.
36-24-5
61
May 14, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand sink next to mop sink. Corrected on site during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-14: Observed no soap at hand sink over mop sink. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Time Extended**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - 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. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-14: Observed no employee training. **Admin Complaint**
53B-05-5
82
Mar 10, 2025
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand wash sink by mop sink. Chef provided towels. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand sink next to mop sink. Corrected on site during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - 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. **Warning**
53B-05-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed soufflé cup in tartar sauce and paprika. Observed deli container in panko crumbs. Chef removed all. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed drink in top of reach in cooler. Chef removed. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-13-4
67
Aug 20, 2024
Routine - Food
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall.Observed hole approximately 10"x 4" on lower wall outside of employee bathroom and behind clean equipment rack across from triple sink **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-20: **Time Extended**
36-24-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing.Cove molding missing outside of employee bathroom and behind clean equipment rack across from triple sink. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-20: **Time Extended**
36-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.Observed trash on shared dumpster pad and behind dumpster. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-20: **Time Extended**
33-19-4
86
Aug 19, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold holding Hushpuppy mix 80F, Shrimp 48F at reach in cooler end of cook line towards front. Employee discarded mix and iced shrimp. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 3 live roaches on bottom shelf of center preparation table in front of expo line. **Warning**
35A-05-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime.Observed debris on can opener blade. **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing.Observed 2 packages of tuna defrosting in hand washing sink at end of cook line. Employee removed to refrigerator. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink.Observed at retail counter in front. Employee added towels. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Basic - Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing.Cove molding missing outside of employee bathroom and behind clean equipment rack across from triple sink. **Warning**
36-03-4
Basic - Dead roaches on premises.Observed 2 dead roaches on counter under preparation table in front center of cook line. Manager removed and cleaned and sanitized area. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
35A-03-4
Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.Observed trash on shared dumpster pad and behind dumpster. **Warning**
33-19-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall.Observed hole approximately 10"x 4" on lower wall outside of employee bathroom and behind clean equipment rack across from triple sink **Warning**
36-24-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.Observed 3 pair tongs on oven door handles. **Warning**
10-20-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler.Observed standing water on bottom of 2 door reach in cooler at end of cook line. **Warning**
29-49-6
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed 2 packages of tuna defrosting in hand washing sink at end of cook line. Employee removed to refrigerator. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
06-01-5
39
Mar 26, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
67
Nov 3, 2023
Complaint Full
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed bucket in hand wash sink above mop sink. Manager removed. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink.Observed no soap at hand wash sink above mop sink. Manager added soap. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured.Observed CO 2 tanks not secured. Spoke with manager regarding requirements.
51-11-4
Basic - Dead roaches on premises.Observed 1 dead roach on floor next to reachin cooler in kitchen at entrance from front counter. Manager removed and cleaned and sanitized area.
35A-03-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items.Observed employees hat, clothes stored in dry storage area. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container.Observed ice scoop handle in ice at front wait station. Manager removed. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No sign at hand wash sink above mop sink.
31B-04-4
64
Aug 18, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Insects, Rodents, and Animals Not Present
FL-38
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
61
Jun 19, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed no vacuum breaker on hose in back of building.
29-34-4
Intermediate - Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served. Observed tags not dated. Educated manager and cooks. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Repeat Violation**
01C-03-4
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. Did not observe any vomit/diarrhea cleanup plan. Sent manager cleaning plan. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-27-4
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.Did not observe any employee health reporting agreements. Emailed agreement to manager. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
Intermediate - 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.Observed all employee training expired. **Warning**
53B-05-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.Observed grease buildup on hood filters. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed shrimp defrosting in still water in sink in kitchen. Cook turned on water. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
Basic - Ten (10) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in walk-in cooler. Observed no working light in Walkin Cooler at time of inspection.
38-04-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board on first Reachin Cooler on cook line with cut marks. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed Cook and Prep Cook engaged with food preparation without hair restraints. Cook placed hat on. **Corrected On-Site**
13-03-4
Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Observed garbage around both shared dumpsters with plaza. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Repeat Violation**
33-19-4
43
Sep 22, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Nonexempt fish offered raw or undercooked has not undergone proper parasite destruction. Fish must be fully cooked or discarded. Observed no letter from supplier for farm raised salmon. - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-21: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-22: **Time Extended**
01D-01-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served. Observed no dates on over 95% of tags. - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-21: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-22: **Time Extended**
01C-03-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no test kit for chlorine or quaternary. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-21: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-22: **Time Extended**
16-37-1
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Observed 4 expired 9/13/22. - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-21: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-22: **Time Extended**
53B-14-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.Dumpster shared with stores in plaza. - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-21: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-22: **Time Extended**
33-19-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed an approximate 8"x 4" hole under Hand wash sink next to cook line. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-21: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-22: **Time Extended**
36-24-5
58
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Big Water Fish Market last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Big Water Fish Market on file is from Apr 6, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Big Water Fish Market?
Across the inspection record, “clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Big Water Fish Market.
How does Big Water Fish Market compare to other restaurants in Sarasota?
Big Water Fish Market most recently scored 55 out of 100, which is lower than the Sarasota average of 81.
Has Big Water Fish Market's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Big Water Fish Market have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Big Water Fish Market means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Big Water Fish Market inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Big Water Fish Market is inspected around three times per year on average.
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