Diner By-The-Sea
Last inspected: Mar 31, 2026
67
Score
The health department has logged 18 inspections at Diner By-The-Sea, the earliest from 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Mar 31, 2026. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around four violations each.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “time/temperature control for safety food cold held”, showing up three times.
Restaurants in Lauderdale-By-The-Se average 76, so Diner By-The-Sea trails the local norm. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
18
Inspections
1
Critical latest
2
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 31, 2026
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Expo - butter pats (75F). Per operator item placed out approximately 3 hours ago. Operator placed on time as a public health control. **Corrected On-Site**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Quaternary and chlorine.
16-37-1
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Both restrooms - water 80F.
27-16-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. In front of walk in freezer
36-22-4
67
Jan 13, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-13: Observed same. Called operator during inspection. Operator said she would notify her accountant. **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-13: Observed same. **Time Extended**
14-17-4
82
Sep 17, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. **Warning**
41-17-4
Basic - Interior of cookline reach in cooler in disrepair. **Warning**
14-36-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Warning**
14-17-4
70
Jun 17, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
67
Dec 12, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Oct 11, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. -Employee wiped lips with napkin, then began scooping ice for customers beverage order. Reviewed proper hand washing with employee. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12A-16-4
High Priority - Employee washed hands with no soap. -ware washing employee washed hands with no soap, reviewed proper hand washing. Employee then washed hands with soap and water. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12A-20-4
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. **Warning**
53A-02-7
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. - Ware washing station hand sink, operator provided. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. -employee bag on prep table next to clean dish ware, operator removed, and stored properly. -shelf above prep table; uncovered employee beverage, operator removed and stored properly. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Standing water in floor drain/floor drain draining very slowly. -water draining slowly when dish washer and hand washing sink is being use. **Warning**
29-19-4
Basic - Floor area with standing water. -Rear storage area between walk in freezer and storage cabinet, operator cleaned. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
36-22-4
Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer door frame. **Warning**
14-69-4
50
Oct 3, 2024
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Walk in cooler and walk in freezer - torn / missing gaskets. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-03: Observed same. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Observed same. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-03: Observed same. **Time Extended**
14-11-5
95
Aug 7, 2024
Routine - Food
4 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwashing sink on front counter is double sink. Per plan review, divider must be installed and separate faucets on each sink. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-03: Faucets installed. Operator still needs to install divider. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Observed same. **Time Extended**
31A-04-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Poached egg on menu, reviewed menu updating with operator. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-03: Observed same. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Observed same. **Time Extended**
02B-01-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any 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 2024-08-03: Observed same. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Observed same. **Time Extended**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. All but 1 employee without food handler/CFM training. Provided Food Employee Reporting Agreement to operator. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-03: Observed same. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Observed same. **Time Extended**
11-26-1
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-03: Observed same. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Observed same. **Time Extended**
50-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Walk in cooler and walk in freezer - torn / missing gaskets. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-03: Observed same. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-07: Observed same. **Time Extended**
14-11-5
61
Aug 3, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Approximately 24 rodent droppings in kitchen on shelf containing audio equipment. Approximately 12 rodent droppings under microwave on shelf in kitchen. Approximately 4 rodent droppings on prep table under and behind steam table in kitchen. Approximately 2 rodent droppings on top of dish washing machine in kitchen. Approximately 2 rodent droppings located in rear storage area by water heater. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-03: 4 rodent droppings under pipe along front counter. **Admin Complaint**
35A-04-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwashing sink on front counter is double sink. Per plan review, divider must be installed and separate faucets on each sink. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-03: Faucets installed. Operator still needs to install divider. **Time Extended**
31A-04-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Poached egg on menu, reviewed menu updating with operator. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-03: Observed same. **Time Extended**
02B-01-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any 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 2024-08-03: Observed same. **Time Extended**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. All but 1 employee without food handler/CFM training. Provided Food Employee Reporting Agreement to operator. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-03: Observed same. **Time Extended**
11-26-1
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Both bathrooms located in rear of establishment by storage not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-03: Observed same. **Time Extended**
32-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-03: Observed same. **Time Extended**
50-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Walk in cooler and walk in freezer - torn / missing gaskets. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-03: Observed same. **Time Extended**
14-11-5
50
Aug 2, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Expo area-butter (70F). Observed item held in an ice bath with ice water solution too low. Per operator item out for 1 hr, operator placed item in reach in to quick chill. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. 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. 2x 6oz ROP Mahi mahi in Cookline flip top still in ROP package, per operator item was taken out of freezer yesterday and held in unit overnight, see stop sale. **Warning**
01B-13-4
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Approximately 24 rodent droppings in kitchen on shelf containing audio equipment. Approximately 12 rodent droppings under microwave on shelf in kitchen. Approximately 4 rodent droppings on prep table under and behind steam table in kitchen. Approximately 2 rodent droppings on top of dish washing machine in kitchen. Approximately 2 rodent droppings located in rear storage area by water heater. **Warning**
35A-04-4
Intermediate - Handwashing sink on front counter is double sink. Per plan review, divider must be installed and separate faucets on each sink. **Warning**
31A-04-4
Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Poached egg on menu, reviewed menu updating with operator. **Warning**
02B-01-5
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning**
53B-01-5
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. All but 1 employee without food handler/CFM training. Provided Food Employee Reporting Agreement to operator. **Warning**
11-26-1
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Behind stove in prep room and standing water on floor behind ice machine. **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Warning**
16-21-4
Basic - Both bathrooms located in rear of establishment by storage not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. **Warning**
32-04-4
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. 2x 6oz ROP Mahi mahi in Cookline flip top still in ROP package, per operator item was taken out of freezer yesterday and held in unit overnight, see stop sale. **Warning**
06-09-1
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Warning**
50-09-4
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. 1 dead roach under triple sink. 1 dead roach next to stove in kitchen. 1 dead roach on shelf at front counter. Operator removed dead roaches and cleaned/ sanitized the area. **Warning**
35A-03-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Walk in cooler and walk in freezer - torn / missing gaskets. **Warning**
14-11-5
30
Jun 27, 2024
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Establishment operating without a license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Operator must obtain a public food service license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants within 60 days. Submit a license application and payment to DBPR/Bureau of Central Intake Unit, 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. To apply online or obtain an application for license visit http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/ **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-21: Seven days **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-28: Time extended 30 days **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-01: **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-27: **Admin Complaint**
50-08-7
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 hand washing sink in dishwashing/prep room. Confirmed with PLAN REVIEW that there are no current plans on file. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-21: Seven days **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-28: No plan review submitted time extend 30 days **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-01: No plans submitted **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-27: No plan review submitted **Admin Complaint**
51-16-7
78
May 1, 2024
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Establishment operating without a license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Operator must obtain a public food service license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants within 60 days. Submit a license application and payment to DBPR/Bureau of Central Intake Unit, 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. To apply online or obtain an application for license visit http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/ **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-21: Seven days **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-28: Time extended 30 days **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-01: **Admin Complaint**
50-08-7
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 hand washing sink in dishwashing/prep room. Confirmed with PLAN REVIEW that there are no current plans on file. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-21: Seven days **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-28: No plan review submitted time extend 30 days **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-01: No plans submitted **Admin Complaint**
51-16-7
78
Mar 28, 2024
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Establishment operating without a license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Operator must obtain a public food service license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants within 60 days. Submit a license application and payment to DBPR/Bureau of Central Intake Unit, 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. To apply online or obtain an application for license visit http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/ **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-21: Seven days **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-28: Time extended 30 days **Time Extended**
50-08-7
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 hand washing sink in dishwashing/prep room. Confirmed with PLAN REVIEW that there are no current plans on file. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-21: Seven days **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-28: No plan review submitted time extend 30 days **Time Extended**
51-16-7
78
Mar 21, 2024
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Establishment operating without a license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Operator must obtain a public food service license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants within 60 days. Submit a license application and payment to DBPR/Bureau of Central Intake Unit, 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. To apply online or obtain an application for license visit http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/ **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-21: Seven days **Time Extended**
50-08-7
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 hand washing sink in dishwashing/prep room. Confirmed with PLAN REVIEW that there are no current plans on file. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-21: Seven days **Time Extended**
51-16-7
78
Jan 18, 2024
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Establishment operating without a license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Operator must obtain a public food service license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants within 60 days. Submit a license application and payment to DBPR/Bureau of Central Intake Unit, 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. To apply online or obtain an application for license visit http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/ **Warning**
50-08-7
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 hand washing sink in dishwashing/prep room. Confirmed with PLAN REVIEW that there are no current plans on file. **Warning**
51-16-7
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Warning**
16-21-4
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed ice scoop stored directly on top of ice machine. Operator stored properly. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-12-5
70
Oct 4, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cookline - flip top - cut lettuce (60-65F); cheese (60-65F). Per operator items held in unit approximately 3 hours. No items prepped or portioned today. Operator placed items in ice bath to quick chill. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
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. Provided handout to operator. **Corrected On-Site**
11-27-4
Intermediate - No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Provided Time as a Public Health Control form to operator and reviewed. **Corrective Action Taken**
03F-10-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - Dishmachine not washing/rinsing properly. Must wash, rinse and sanitize all dishware, equipment and utensils in three-compartment sink until dishmachine is functioning properly. Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm). Operator set up triple sink for sanitizing. Chlorine 100ppm. **Corrective Action Taken**
16-55-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided to operator and operator posted. **Corrected On-Site**
51-13-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloths stored in detergent and sanitizer mixed together. Operator made new solution with only chlorine 100ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
21-03-4
58
Jun 19, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation.
View 4 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
50
Nov 9, 2022
Routine - Food
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
14-69-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation **Repeat Violation**
13-03-4
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Diner By-The-Sea last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Diner By-The-Sea on file is from Mar 31, 2026. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Diner By-The-Sea?
Across the inspection record, “time/temperature control for safety food cold held” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Diner By-The-Sea.
How does Diner By-The-Sea compare to other restaurants in Lauderdale-By-The-Se?
Diner By-The-Sea most recently scored 67 out of 100, which is lower than the Lauderdale-By-The-Se average of 76.
Has Diner By-The-Sea's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Diner By-The-Sea have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Diner By-The-Sea 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 Diner By-The-Sea inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Diner By-The-Sea is inspected around five times per year on average.
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