Don Jose Mexican Restaurant

4731 Lakeview Dr, Sebring, FL 33870
Mexican / Latin
Last inspected: Nov 14, 2025
58
Score
Medium Risk

Don Jose Mexican Restaurant has been inspected 10 times since 2022. The most recent visit was on Nov 14, 2025. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.

Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around six violations compared to roughly eight violations earlier on.

“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing four times across the record.

Compared to other Sebring restaurants (averaging 74), there's room to close the gap. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.

10
Inspections
2
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 14, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
58
Apr 17, 2025
Food-Licensing Inspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 7, 2025
Complaint Full
4 critical violations. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed in walk in cooler raw ground beef stored over shredded mozzarella cheese, owner moved to different area. Observed in reach in cooler raw chicken was stored over sour cream, owner moved to different shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Two cans of chipotle that were dented on the can racks in the kitchen area, owner discarded. **Corrected On-Site**
01B-01-4
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed neosporin cream on the shelf with canned food, owner moved. **Corrected On-Site**
41-07-4
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed an employee in a prep area touching his pants without changing his gloves and not washing their hands and was returning to prep area owner stopped the employee, employee washed hands and changed gloves. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-09-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed rice in the hand washing sink in back of kitchen, owner cleaned the sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed a container of marinated chicken and a container of marinated steak in the walk in cooler without a date mark on it. **Repeat Violation**
02C-02-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting boards on the cook line are grooved.
14-09-4
Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Observed boxes and two bags of garbage on the pad behind dumpster.
33-19-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs on the door handle of an oven in the back of kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
10-20-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no handwashing signs in the two men's bathroom, two women's bathroom and one other bathroom located next to the kitchen.
31B-04-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid.
33-16-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed in walk in cooler a pot of black beans and a pot of pinto beans without a lid or cover, owner removed from cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
33
Mar 28, 2025
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed the ceiling vents in the back kitchen rusting. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-28: **Time Extended**
36-34-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed a shelf in the back kitchen with thick rust holding clean equipment. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-28: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
90
Jan 23, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Operator unable to provide documentation that aquacultured fish has been raised in a controlled environment and fed formulated feed. Operated stated he has the letter but could not find it or obtain it while I was present. **Warning**
01D-08-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed a soiled can opener. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
22-02-4
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. Observed some illness reporting firms completed but not all. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed marinated chicken, cut salmon and house made sauces without a date marked in the walk in freezer. **Warning**
02C-02-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed the ice machine with a black mold like substance inside and the sliding doors with heavy algae. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed the ceiling vents in the back kitchen rusting. **Warning**
36-34-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed personal drinks on prep table and next to food on shelves. **Warning**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employees cooking food with watches and bracelets on. **Warning**
13-07-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed a shelf in the back kitchen with thick rust holding clean equipment. **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Warning**
35B-01-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed the floor around the soda fountain heavily soiled. **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on oven door handles. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-20-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed the hoods and hood filters with excessive grease build up in the prep kitchen. **Warning**
23-03-4
37
Feb 20, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed taco ground beef (48F - Cooling) cooked day before not cooled to 41F within 6 hours, in cooler overnight. Operator discarded see stop sale.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed taco ground beef (48F - Cooling) cooked day before not cooled to 41F within 6 hours, in cooler overnight. Operator discarded see stop sale.. **Repeat Violation**
03D-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed Island Oasis drink mixer with old food debris on inside blender cover and white growth on machine just above cover.
22-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
22-20-5
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed small CO2 tank at outside bar not secured.
51-11-4
Basic - Condensation or other drainage not disposed of according to law. Observed soda gun holster not connected to drain line and draining on to drain boards of 3 bay sink at bar..
28-02-4
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed waitstaff with bracelets.
13-07-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed ice scoop holder rusted and paint peeling.
14-11-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed heavy food debris on floor on walk-in freezer.
36-73-4
50
Oct 12, 2023
Routine - Food
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. Observed salsa (48F - Cold Holding)at waitstation container is 10 to 12 inches deep and only bottom of container is on contact with ice. Operator had more ice added to quickly cool to 41F or colder. **Corrected On-Site**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed cook wash hands in 3 bay sink with dirty dishes stored in bays. Manager redirected employee to handsink. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-03-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed two spray bottles one with clear liquid and one with red liquid not marked with common name and hanging on end of 3 bay sink. Manager labeled. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed spoons and other kitchen utensils stored with food contact surface up at clean dish storage. Manager inverted. **Corrected On-Site**
24-05-4
67
Jun 1, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 7 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : 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. Observed dishwasher load and handle dirty dishes then unload clean dishes without washing hands. No handsink conveniently located to dishwash area. operator corrected employee who washed hands before continuing. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-01: Observed dishwasher handle soiled dishes scrape old food from dishes with hands then spray dishes then walk to prep area retrieve a towel wipe hands on towel then wipe counter at dishwash area then stack clean dishes with unwashed hands on counter wiped with hand towel. No handwashing occurred. Cross contamination of surfaces and dishes with hands and towel used to wipe hands. **Admin Complaint**
12A-13-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : 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. bar Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-01: At callback 6/1/23 observed dishmachine chlorine at 25ppm. Must not use machine until able to sanitize at 50 to 100ppm. **Admin Complaint**
22-41-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap in employee restroom at back kitchen. Operator added soap. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-01: At callback 6/1/23 observed no handsoap at handsink at back prep beside warewash area. No soap at employee restroom handsink.**Admin Complaint** **Admin Complaint**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed interior of soda gun at outdoor bar with black slimy growth on interior of gun. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-01: At callback 6/1/23 Observed soda gun at outside bar with slimy growth on interior of gun nozzle. **Admin Complaint**
22-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink missing in warewashing or food preparation area. Observed handsink near dishwash area not easily accessible. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-01: At callback handsink had no soap and had dirty wet rags stored on handsink at back prep area beside warewash. **Admin Complaint**
31A-07-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - bar area added. 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 http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed an outside bar with automatic dishmachine and clean glass storage and single service cups. Ice scooping area and soda gun on screened porch beside water. This bar does not show up on my current plans provided. Operator referred to plan review. at inspection bar was not in operation. 3/27/23 Operating did not send in new layout of establishment to plan review. He moved the dishmachine inside to the inside bar. Outside bar has beer spigots, soda gun, ice well, 2 bay sink, storing all utensils and single service items at outside bar without protection. Still need to show all changes and the outdoor bar on plans. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-01: **Time Extended**
51-14-7
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Observed cleaned bar utensils, condiment/fruit trays and salt tray and shaker glass stored at outside bar. This bar has no walls only screen and roof cover.. **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-01: At callback 6/1/23 Observed cleaned bar utensils, and salt tray and shaker glass stored at outside bar. This bar has no walls only screen and roof cover.. **Admin Complaint**
24-07-4
47
Mar 27, 2023
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 8 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 20 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed chili rejenos (96F - Hot Holding) held in plate suspended over hot well at cookline. Food unable to benefit from hot hold temperatures. Operator states foods have been at this location since 1030am. Must serve or discard by230pm. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chorizo sausage stored over ready to eat French fries and bread in reach in cooler at back prep area. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. License extended expiration of 1/20/23, past due. License expired. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
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. bar Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm
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. Observed dishwasher load and handle dirty dishes then unload clean dishes without washing hands. No handsink conveniently located to dishwash area. operator corrected employee who washed hands before continuing. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
12A-13-4
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. Inspector provided handout. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed interior of soda gun at outdoor bar with black slimy growth on interior of gun. **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink missing in warewashing or food preparation area. Observed handsink near dishwash area not easily accessible. **Warning**
31A-07-4
Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - bar area added. 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 http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed an outside bar with automatic dishmachine and clean glass storage and single service cups. Ice scooping area and soda gun on screened porch beside water. This bar does not show up on my current plans provided. Operator referred to plan review. at inspection bar was not in operation. 3/27/23 Operating did not send in new layout of establishment to plan review. He moved the dishmachine inside to the inside bar. Outside bar has beer spigots, soda gun, ice well, 2 bay sink, storing all utensils and single service items at outside bar without protection. Still need to show all changes and the outdoor bar on plans. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
51-14-7
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. Inspector provided handout. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap in employee restroom at back kitchen. Operator added soap. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray chemical at front cookline 3 bay sink. Operator labeled. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-17-4
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed handsink at back dishwash prep area with no hot water available. Faucet handle stripped. Operator added new handle and corrected faucet. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
27-16-4
Basic - Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Observed cleaned bar utensils, condiment/fruit trays and salt tray and shaker glass stored at outside bar. This bar has no walls only screen and roof cover.. **Admin Complaint**
24-07-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed silverware at wait station stored with food contact surface up in containers with no way to retrieve the item without touching the food contact end. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
24-05-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed single service cups and straws and lids and napkins stored overnight at outside bar. Only roof and screened walls at this bar. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
25-05-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed rice scoop with handle in food. Operator removed scoop. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-01-5
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed ice scoop at inside bar stored on dirty surface of ice bin lid to ice storage. Observed food debris and dusty sticky debris on lid . Operator sent cover and ice scoop to dishwash. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-12-5
Basic - In-use ice scoop for ice machine located outside not stored in a protected manner between uses. Observed outside ice scoop stored on top of dirty ice machine, dust and debris present on surface of area the scoop is touching. Possible for wind Blown dust and debris to contact scoops in between use operator removed to dishwash. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
10-13-5
Basic - Compartment of equipment subject to the accumulation of moisture is not sloped to drain to allow complete drainage. Observed drain line missing to soda gun holster at inside bar. **Warning**
29-13-4
15
Dec 13, 2022
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 4 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 18 violations
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed pinto beans (48F - Cooling)in walk-in cooler cooling from day before. See stop sale. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
03D-02-5
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within 2 hours. Chili rejano in reach on cooler at 98F after 3 hours cooling. See stop sale. **Warning**
03D-01-5
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed Sacramento tomatoe juice, del sol chipotle's,San Marcos jalapeños, chef mate white quest., operator segregated to return to supplier. See stop sale. **Warning**
01B-01-4
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. Dishwasher loading dirty dishes then handling clean dishes without washing hands. No working handsink available in area. **Warning**
12A-13-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cut tomatoes (50F - Cold Holding); fish cooked (48F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese (53F - Cold Holding); cut lettuce (52F - Cold Holding); sour cream (48F - Cold Holding); cooked wings (50F - Cold Holding); sauces (48F - Cold Holding)in reachin prep top and lower drawers of frontline salad make station. Operator must discard all by 230pm if not used. Operator will check temperature setting on cooler or call repair. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
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 to operator at inspection via email **Corrected On-Site**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Observed beans put in walk-in to cool in deep metal pots. Information on cooling provided to operator at inspection. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
03D-15-4
Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - bar area added. 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. Observed an outside bar with automatic dishmachine and clean glass storage and single service cups. Ice scooping area and soda gun on screened porch beside water. This bar does not show up on my current plans provided. Operator referred to plan review. at inspection bar was not in operation. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
51-14-7
Intermediate - Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Provided to operator at inspection.
02B-02-5
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Observed open waste containers in each stall of women's restroom, and on women's handicapped restroom. **Warning**
32-12-5
Basic - Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Observed tongs stored in unused burner recess of stove. **Warning**
24-07-4
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle.pipe for waste water at back handsink not properly in place running water on floor. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
29-11-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed case of cups and an open box of plastic ware stored on the floor at dry storage area. **Warning**
25-05-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed suppression system nozzles with grease dripping from nozzles. **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - In-use utensil in time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed ice cream scoop handle on contact with ice cream in ice cream cooler. **Warning**
10-01-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed oil cases stored on floor at dry storage area. **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed pots unable to air dry due to wet nesting at dish dry rack. **Warning**
24-08-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed broken an loose tiles on front of women's restroom. **Warning**
36-17-5
20

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Don Jose Mexican Restaurant last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Don Jose Mexican Restaurant on file is from Nov 14, 2025. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Don Jose Mexican Restaurant?

Across the inspection record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Don Jose Mexican Restaurant.

How does Don Jose Mexican Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Sebring?

Don Jose Mexican Restaurant most recently scored 58 out of 100, which is lower than the Sebring average of 74.

Has Don Jose Mexican Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Don Jose Mexican Restaurant have averaged around six violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Don Jose Mexican Restaurant 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 Don Jose Mexican Restaurant inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Don Jose Mexican Restaurant is inspected around three times per year on average.