Derusso's Pizzeria
Last inspected: Mar 31, 2026
58
Score
Derusso's Pizzeria has been inspected 10 times since 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Mar 31, 2026. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around 10 violations to closer to four violations per visit.
Looking across the full record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” is the recurring theme, flagged four times.
Derusso's Pizzeria's latest score of 58 falls below the Tierra Verde average of 69. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
10
Inspections
2
Critical latest
1
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 31, 2026
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Chlorine Wiping cloth solution at or exceeds 200 ppm. Employee dumped solution and corrected to 50 ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
41-27-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw pork bacon over deli meats and raw comminuted beef patties stored above sauces in standing glass reach-in cooler. Manager relocated items for proper safe storage. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Inspector will provide DBPR Form HR 5022-090 to inspector and discuss filling out required written plans.
03F-10-5
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Standing water on the floor of the walk-in cooler.
36-22-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Pickles stored on floor in walk-in cooler. Manager relocated to a shelf for storage. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloths stored in detergent and sanitizer mixed together. Employee dumped soap and chlorine mixture and made new bucket. **Corrected On-Site**
21-03-4
58
Oct 2, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw pork bacon on top of provolone in walk-in cooler.
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards on prep table in kitchen soiled with debris between cracks.
22-02-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide tanks located outside near rear exit door and near three-compartment sink not adequately secured.
51-11-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Torn gasket on reach-in cooler door on cooks line.
14-11-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
67
Feb 10, 2025
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-10: **Time Extended**
14-17-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Cleaned tongs, spoons, and spatulas stored on wall on cooks line are not protected from contamination. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-10: **Time Extended**
24-07-4
90
Jan 31, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Water hose connected water faucet near ice machine without vacuum breaker. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
29-34-4
High Priority - Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Observed server touching soiled dishes then serve food to customers without washing hands. Discussed with operator proper hand-hygiene techniques. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
12A-02-4
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Reading 0ppm. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Operator setup three-compartment sink. Chlorine sanitizer reading 50ppm. **Warning**
22-41-4
Intermediate - Soap dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense soap. Located in kitchen. Operator repaired soap dispenser. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-06-4
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. **Warning**
32-12-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-17-4
Basic - Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Cleaned tongs, spoons, and spatulas stored on wall on cooks line are not protected from contamination. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
24-07-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Single-serve bowl without handle stored inside container on bread crumbs. Operator discarded bowl. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
16-21-4
45
Sep 20, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Water hose connected to water faucet without a vacuum realer on back deck near ice machine. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-20: Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Water hose connected to water faucet without a vacuum realer on back deck near ice machine. **Admin Complaint**
29-34-4
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. All Employee training expired on 07-09-2024. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-20: 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. All Employee training expired on 07-09-2024. **Admin Complaint**
53B-05-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Cleaned tongs, spoons, and spatulas stored on wall on cooks line are not protected from contamination. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-20: Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Cleaned tongs, spoons, and spatulas stored on wall on cooks line are not protected from contamination. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
24-07-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting boards on prep tables has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-20: Cutting boards on prep tables has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair near floor mixer in the kitchen. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-20: Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair near floor mixer in the kitchen. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
36-17-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-20: **Time Extended**
14-17-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine bin located on deck in rear of establishment. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-20: **Time Extended**
22-20-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-20: Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
16-21-4
58
Jul 19, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
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
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
26
Feb 6, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 18 violations
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee handling unwashed mushrooms then touch ready-to-eat bread. Operator discarded bread Discussed with operator proper hand-hygiene techniques. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-09-4
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Dry-storage room a. # 10 can of olives are dented around seams.
01B-01-4
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. Will email DBPR Form 5030-104. Cleanup Of Vomit and Diarrheal Events.
11-27-4
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. 1. Jonathan
53B-02-5
Intermediate - No proof provided that recently hired food employee are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Will email DBPR Form 5030-103. Employee Health Food Reporting Agreement.
11-26-1
Intermediate - Spray bottle at front counter containing toxic substance not labeled.
41-17-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Single-serve bowl without handle stored in a container of parmesan cheese in reach-in cooler on cooks line. Operator removed bowl. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Cleaned tongs, spoons, and spatulas stored on wall on cooks line are not protected from contamination.
24-07-4
Basic - Cutting board on reach-in cooler on cooks line has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
14-09-4
Basic - Damaged/spoiled/recalled food not properly segregated. Dry-storage room a. # 10 can of olives are dented around seams.
08B-20-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gasket torn on middle door of reach-in cooler in pizza prep area. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Cracked tiles underneath dishwasher.
36-17-5
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Will email DBPR Form 5030-105. Choking First Aid Procedures.
51-13-4
Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available.
51-18-6
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on reach-in cooler doors in pizza prep area.
23-03-4
Basic - Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Observed employee slicing unwashed mushrooms without washing.
08B-39-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler in prep area shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-33-4
27
Sep 27, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board staining **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-27: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-27: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Torn reach in cooler gasket **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-27: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
82
Sep 25, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Ham 47 degrees Fahrenheit, cooked eggplant 46 degrees Fahrenheit, cheese 47 degrees Fahrenheit, ricotta 45 degrees Fahrenheit **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board staining **Warning**
22-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Cup in cheese **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Cook line, drink was moved. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12B-07-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Torn reach in cooler gasket **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets **Warning**
23-03-4
58
Dec 20, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 14 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. Registered at 0 ppm chlorine. No sanitizer flowing into dish machine.
22-41-4
Intermediate - Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items. Inspector asked About big 6 and employee did not have knowledge of them. Inspector educated employees about food borne illnesses. Provided information sheets for management and employees.
11-07-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Head of mixer heavily soiled with food debris. Inspector informed and educated employees. Soda nozzles soiled with food debris. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled spray bottle in front bar area. Inspector informed employee and was labeled. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster.
33-11-4
Basic - Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Reach in coolers in front right counter area with torn gaskets.
14-36-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Fry oil stored on floor in dry storage area. Inspector informed manager about storage requirements for food. Case of bottled water stored on floor across from register. Inspector informed employee and employee moved foods off of floor. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting on clean dish shelf
24-08-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink sitting on clean dish shelf. Inspector informed employee and drinks was removed to designated area. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. In front area, CO2 tanks not secured to the wall.
51-11-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Black mold like debris inside ice machine.
22-20-5
Basic - Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Sanitizer bucket stored next to food items and inspector informed employee about proper storage of sanitizer. Bucket was placed in designated area. **Corrected On-Site**
21-44-1
Basic - Open dumpster lid.
33-16-4
39
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Derusso's Pizzeria last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Derusso's Pizzeria on file is from Mar 31, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Derusso's Pizzeria?
Across the inspection record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Derusso's Pizzeria.
How does Derusso's Pizzeria compare to other restaurants in Tierra Verde?
Derusso's Pizzeria most recently scored 58 out of 100, which is lower than the Tierra Verde average of 69.
Has Derusso's Pizzeria's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Derusso's Pizzeria have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly 10 earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Derusso's Pizzeria 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 Derusso's Pizzeria inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Derusso's Pizzeria is inspected around three times per year on average.
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