Carmelitas Mexican Rest
Last inspected: Feb 2, 2026
61
Score
Going back to 2022, Carmelitas Mexican Rest has 10 inspections in the public record. The most recent visit was on Feb 2, 2026. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around 11 violations compared to roughly 14 violations earlier on.
Looking across the full record, “unpackaged food in an unprotected holding unit” is the recurring theme, flagged four times.
By comparison, the average St. Petersburg facility scores 77, putting Carmelitas Mexican Rest on the weaker side. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
10
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 2, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibbs in mop sink. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-02-02: Plumber has been contacted to install back flow preventer. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
29-34-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -cutting board in kitchen stained and grooved, no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-02-02: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/pink mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-02-02: **Time Extended**
22-20-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. -cutting board in kitchen stained and grooved, no longer cleanable. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-02-02: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. -dish machine is dripping water when ran. Operator has pan catching water. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-02-02: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -sides of cook line equipment have accumulation of grease and debris **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-02-02: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. -floors and walls behind cook line equipment soiled **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-02-02: **Time Extended**
36-27-5
61
Jan 30, 2026
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibbs in mop sink. **Warning**
29-34-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found 4 live flies in bar area near liquor bottles 4 live flies by dry storage outside office 5 live flies in dish pit area Operator killed 10 flies **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
35A-02-7
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. Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm.) Operator primed sanitizer and retested at 50PPM. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
22-41-4
Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Open jug of milk in walk in cooler opened Wednesday not date marked. Operator date marked. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02C-03-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -cutting board in kitchen stained and grooved, no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Meat in sauce in walk in cooler has no date mark. Operator date marked. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02C-02-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/pink mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. -cutting board in kitchen stained and grooved, no longer cleanable. **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. -dish machine is dripping water when ran. Operator has pan catching water. **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -sides of cook line equipment have accumulation of grease and debris **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. -cooked corn stored in walk in cooler without cover. Operator covered. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-12-5
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. -floors and walls behind cook line equipment soiled **Warning**
36-27-5
35
Jul 8, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 12 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found 2 live flies in prep area
35A-02-7
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade soiled, staff cleaned during inspection **Corrected On-Site**
22-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
22-20-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. AC. Ents over cook line soiled
36-34-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Torn cooler gaskets, manager began repairing **Corrective Action Taken**
14-11-5
Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Plastic bins on storage shelves with cracked edges
14-38-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container.scoop handle in seasoning bins, removed
10-01-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Women's restroom missing hand wash sign
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Soiled hood filters
23-03-4
Basic - Screen in door torn/in poor repair - vermin present.
35B-09-4
Basic - Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. On cook line
21-10-4
Basic - Unpackaged food in an unprotected holding unit in a customer/nonsecure area. Out door walk in cooler in customer accessible area not secured
08B-63-4
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed tomatoes over cut lettuce in walk in cooler
08B-17-4
Basic - Walk in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
22-16-4
43
Mar 31, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on prep table by rear door has food debris buildup **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-31: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
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 plans on file in On Base, operator has an ice bin in bar area no hand sink. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-31: **Time Extended**
51-16-7
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris through the kitchen area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-31: **Time Extended**
36-73-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored on floor in walk-in cooler out back area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-31: **Time Extended**
08B-38-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Unpackaged food in an unprotected holding unit in a customer/nonsecure area. Walk-in cooler out back area not locked. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-31: **Time Extended**
08B-63-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-31: **Time Extended**
22-20-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, or other pests, in control devices. 10 dead and trapped flies in light control device by rear door. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-31: **Time Extended**
35A-06-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-31: **Time Extended**
16-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-31: **Time Extended**
36-37-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-31: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
55
Jan 29, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 13 minor violations.
View 18 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. Chlorine 0ppm in dish machine. Manager replaced chlorine sanitizer 50 ppm **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
22-41-4
High Priority - Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee handled dirty dishes to back area then went and engaged with ready to eat plated food **Warning**
12A-13-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on prep table by rear door has food debris buildup **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - 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/ 8 employee at time of inspection no CFM present. Manager arrive 20 minutes after inspection started. **Warning**
53A-05-6
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 plans on file in On Base, operator has an ice bin in bar area no hand sink. **Warning**
51-16-7
Basic - Unpackaged food in an unprotected holding unit in a customer/nonsecure area. Walk-in cooler out back area not locked. **Warning**
08B-63-4
Basic - Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Onions in prep are not washed prior to cutting onions. **Warning**
08B-39-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
16-46-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwaves on cooked line soiled with food debris. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - Food stored on floor in walk-in cooler out back area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris through the kitchen area. **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee drinks on prep table on cook line. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
50-09-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-37-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
16-03-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Accumulation of dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, or other pests, in control devices. 10 dead and trapped flies in light control device by rear door. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
35A-06-4
29
Jul 29, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 13 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
26
Mar 19, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used
FL-32
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
20
Dec 4, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 14 minor violations.
View 16 violations
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. Emailed to operator
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade soiled
22-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, or other pests, in control devices. Accumulation of dead flies in UV trap on wall near rear door to kitchen
35A-06-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Acoustic porous tiles over reach in coolers next to dish machine and dry storage
36-37-5
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Open bag of crackers on prep table next to stoce
12B-02-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Cell phone over prep tables in kitchen
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Damaged screen on rear door of kitchen Broken cooler handle in bar
14-11-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Bucket of cut peppers on floor on cook line, removed **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Scoop handles in seasoning bins
10-01-5
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. In use pans in walk-in cooler with old date stickers
16-46-4
Basic - Screen in door torn/in poor repair - vermin present.
35B-09-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Beer cooler at bar
29-49-6
Basic - Unpackaged food in an unprotected holding unit in a customer/nonsecure area. Walk-in cooler outside not locked
08B-63-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. 2 dead roaches behind ice machine, operator cleaned and sanitized area **Corrected On-Site**
35A-03-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Plastic bowl in chili powder bin
14-01-5
41
Feb 23, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Manager stated they will go online and renew the license. Inspector observed renewed license. **Corrected On-Site**
50-17-3
High Priority - Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee washed dirty dishes in 3 compartment sink then handled sanitized dishes from dish washer. Inspector informed manager and educated employee. Hands were washed and contaminated dishes were washed and sanitized. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-13-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Prep cutting boards soiled with food debris. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Sanitizer bucket dumped into hand wash sink in dish area. Inspector educated employee about sink being used for hand wash only. Employee stopped and used dump sink to finish discarding sanitizer. **Corrective Action Taken**
31A-11-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Prep cutting boards grooved and no longer cleanable.
14-09-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee water bottle sitting on prep table next to clean dish rack. Inspector informed manager and drink was discarded. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
55
Jul 25, 2022
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 1 major violation. 11 minor violations.
View 17 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Raw chicken on shelf above raw beef in walk in freezer.
08A-02-6
High Priority - Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. House hold fly replant hanging behind soda machine.
41-05-4
High Priority - Pesticide-emitting strip present in food prep area. Bar area. Operator removed **Corrected On-Site**
41-24-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 4 flies observed in bar area not landing
35A-02-6
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. Sliced olive can dented. See stop sale. One #10 can of sliced olives and one #10 can of apple filling dented and on same shelf as undamaged cans.
01B-01-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener and cutting board (cook line) soiled.
22-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Black mold present in back of ice machine.
22-20-5
Basic - Damaged/spoiled/recalled food not properly segregated. One #10 can of sliced olives and one #10 can of apple filling dented and on same shelf as undamaged cans.
08B-20-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Plastic containers stacked wet on shelf in dish area.
24-08-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Bags of onions on floor in walk-in cooler.
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. In-use tongs hanging on edge of three compartment sink.
10-20-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Spice handles laying in food in containers in prep area.
10-01-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees.
31B-04-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
16-46-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Open bottle of soda in reach in freezer.
12B-13-4
Basic - Utensils in poor condition. Spatula with rubber Head chipped on the side.
14-12-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Soiled wet cloth in use on cook line.
21-09-4
25
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Carmelitas Mexican Rest last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Carmelitas Mexican Rest on file is from Feb 2, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Carmelitas Mexican Rest?
Across the inspection record, “unpackaged food in an unprotected holding unit” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Carmelitas Mexican Rest.
How does Carmelitas Mexican Rest compare to other restaurants in St. Petersburg?
Carmelitas Mexican Rest most recently scored 61 out of 100, which is lower than the St. Petersburg average of 77.
Has Carmelitas Mexican Rest's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Carmelitas Mexican Rest have averaged around 11 violations per visit, down from roughly 14 earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Carmelitas Mexican Rest 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 Carmelitas Mexican Rest inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Carmelitas Mexican Rest is inspected around three times per year on average.
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