Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Last inspected: Mar 31, 2026
25
Score
Public records show eight inspections at Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens stretching back to 2022. The most recent report on file is from Mar 31, 2026. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around 10 violations each.
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing three times across the record.
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens' latest score of 25 falls below the Sanford average of 77. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.
8
Inspections
3
Critical latest
3
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 31, 2026
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
25
Oct 29, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
67
May 20, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. -hose bibb on rear of building **Repeat Violation**
29-34-4
Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ -Jason
53A-03-7
Intermediate - Food service manager not certified within 30 days of employment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ -Bryan
53A-04-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris. -inside of ice machine, operator cleaned -slicer has a light accumulation of food debris, operator cleaned **Corrected On-Site**
22-02-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. -both front and rear doors
35B-03-4
Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. -bags of cotton candy stored on floor in walk-in freezer, operator relocated **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-47-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
35B-01-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. -large plastic containers on dish storage rack, operator reorganized **Corrected On-Site**
24-08-4
50
Nov 25, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
35
Feb 29, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Corrected On-Site**
16-37-1
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 form
11-26-1
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. -in kitchen **Repeat Violation**
23-24-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. -handwashing sink closest to cook line has missing neck/spout. Operator states that replacement parts were ordered Tuesday 2/27 and are expected Friday 3/1. There are other functional hand sinks in the kitchen
29-09-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. -in kitchen **Repeat Violation**
36-17-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -exterior of ice machine soiled -gaskets of pretzel reach in freezer soiled
23-03-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination.-spoons at front customer window **Corrected On-Site**
25-06-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. -open beverage on prep table across from reach in cooler **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. -on make line **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
55
Oct 6, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
29-42-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -flour bins
22-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. -employee bathroom in kitchen **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. -cups in flour containers by flour **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. -both family bathrooms adjoining kitchen
32-12-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. -cutting board on make line **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. -behind soda machine in kitchen -behind box soda rack
36-73-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. **Repeat Violation**
36-17-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. -in storeroom (bbq sauce, bag in box soda) -syrups in storeroom **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. -reach in by fryers
22-16-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. -shelled corn in white wheeled bin -green lidded plastic container **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
45
Jan 12, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Plumbing Installed; Proper Backflow Devices
FL-28
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
45
Sep 14, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Chemicals stored next to bread, prep table shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board stained. Make line.
22-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of black mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
22-20-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Make line.
14-09-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair.
36-17-5
Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available.
51-18-6
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Coffee lids stored on the floor.
25-05-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bulk sugar container.
02D-01-5
58
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens on file is from Mar 31, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens?
Across the inspection record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
How does Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens compare to other restaurants in Sanford?
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens most recently scored 25 out of 100, which is lower than the Sanford average of 77.
Has Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens' inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens have averaged around 10 violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens is inspected around two times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants