El Paraiso Restaurant & Taqueria
Last inspected: Mar 9, 2026
13
Score
Inspectors have visited El Paraiso Restaurant & Taqueria 10 times, with records going back to 2022. The most recent visit was on Mar 9, 2026. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around 11 violations each.
Across the inspection history, “vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded four times.
Compared to other Florida restaurants (averaging 72), there's room to close the gap. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.
10
Inspections
8
Critical latest
3
Major latest
11
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 9, 2026
Routine - Food
8 critical violations. 3 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 22 violations
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. An employee entered the kitchen and put on gloves without washing hands to begin working at cookline. The only handwash sink available in kitchen is disconnected.
12A-07-5
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found. 1. Three live flies flying in exterior storage shed with exposed dried beans and peppers. 2. One live fly flying in dining area.
35A-02-7
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. 1. Pan in warmer containing rice lined with grocery bag. 2. Cooked rice stored in direct contact with grocery bag inside reach-in cooler at front counter.
14-31-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. 1. Container of cut raw beef stored on shelf above pan containing shredded lettuce inside reach-in cooler near cookline. 2. Carton if raw shell eggs stored on shelf above open container of pickled jalapeños inside reach-in cooler at cookline. 3. Several cartons of raw shell eggs stored on shelf above canned drinks inside reach-in cooler at front counter. Manager moved all raw items away from ready to eat foods during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Several ziplock bags containing raw chicken stored on shelf above ziplock bags containing raw beef inside reach-in freezer at kitchen entrance.
08A-17-6
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Manager washed gloved hands in handwash sink. Inspector had the manager remove gloves and wash hands again before continuing to handle food.
12A-09-4
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. 1. Plumbing glue stored on shelf above clean utensils on shelf at cookline. 2. Aerosol can containing spray paint stored on shelf beside seasoning and single-use straws at front counter. Manager removed both items during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Backflow prevention device missing at hose connection on front of building. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
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/ One ServSafe Certified food manager certification for H. Hernandez Garcia expired on 04/10/2024.
53A-03-7
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Handwash sink in kitchen blocked/covered by large metal pan. Manager removed the pan from the handwash sink during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31A-09-4
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. One employee working in kitchen and handling food without proof of food handler training. Manager stated the employee has worked at this location for approximately two years. No other food handler training available for any other employees. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. 1. Two boxes containing single-use lids stored on floor in storage shed. 2. Stack of single-use foam trays not inverted on stack of boxes in storage shed.
25-05-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. 1. Drain pipe below handwash sink disconnected. An employee repaired the drain pipe during this inspection. 2. Leaking pipe below three-compartment sink. **Corrective Action Taken**
29-08-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Lid of dumpster left open.
33-16-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Interior of reach-in freezer at kitchen entrance soiled with frozen blood.
23-03-4
Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster. Drain plug missing from dumpster. **Repeat Violation**
33-11-4
Basic - Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Dumpster sitting directly on ground.
33-23-4
Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Trash scattered on ground around dumpster and near storage shed. **Repeat Violation**
33-19-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. 1. Container of cooking oil stored directly on floor at cookline. 2. Bag of sugar stored on floor in storage shed. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. Cardboard used to line shelf below tortillas as cookline.
14-45-4
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Floor in storage shed soiled with fold debris and paper trash.
36-50-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Open bags containing dried beans and peppers in storage shed.
08B-12-5
13
Oct 10, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Oct 9, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Raw sewage on ground of establishment. Grey water pooled on floor in kitchen along wall and under reach-in coolers near handwash sink by back door. Grey water appears to be coming from inside wall. **Warning**
28-13-5
High Priority - Sewage/wastewater backing up through handwash sink. Handwash sink filling with water and draining greywater on ground from below handwash sink and inside wall near handwash sink. Establishment has no other handwash sink in kitchen. **Warning**
28-25-5
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Backflow prevention device missing at hose connection on front of building, near picnic tables. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
29-34-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Handwash sink in kitchen completely blocked by large trash can and pot stacked on top of sink. Manager unblocked handwash sink during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-09-4
Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster. Drain plug missing from dumpster.
33-11-4
Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Trash scattered on ground around building.
33-19-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Two mesh bags containing onions stored directly on floor in exterior storage shed. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor in exterior food storage shed soiled with food debris. **Repeat Violation**
36-73-4
Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Several old coolers and an oven stored outside beside building.
33-31-5
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Old labels stuck to sides of several pans on clean dish rack in kitchen.
16-46-4
43
Mar 11, 2025
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Backflow prevention device missing at green hose connection on front of building. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
29-34-4
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Bottle of "3-in-One oil" stored on shelf directly beside seasoning and freezer bags above handwash sink. Manager removed 3-in-one oil from shelf during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. In warming unit at cookline: pork (85F - Hot Holding); beef (91F - Hot Holding). Manager stated both items have been held hot since 1pm and began reheating them to 165 on grill during this inspection. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. On shelf inside reach-in cooler near cookline: beans (69F-78F - Cooling since 6am). The beans are stored in a very large and deep pan. The manager stated she finished cooking the beans and placed them into the cooler at 6am this morning. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
01B-36-5
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. On shelf inside reach-in cooler near cookline: beans (69F-78F - Cooling since 6am). The beans are stored in a very large and deep pan. The manager stated she finished cooking the beans and placed them into the cooler at 6am this morning. Stop sale issued.
03D-02-5
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. On shelf inside reach-in cooler near cookline: beans (69F-78F - Cooling since 6am). The beans are stored in a very large and deep pan. The manager stated she finished cooking the beans and placed them into the cooler at 6am this morning.
03D-15-4
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/ One ServSafe manager certificate for Hidalia Hernandez Garcia expired on 04/10/2024.
53A-03-7
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Dust pan stored down inside handwash sink near cookline. Inspector removed pan in order to wash hands. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Three packages of raw pork stored on floor near three-compartment sink. Employee removed items from the floor during this inspection. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Dumpster lids both left open.
33-16-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Sleeve of foam takeout containers stored directly on floor in kitchen. Manager placed the trays on a shelf during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
25-05-4
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. 1. Floor inside kitchen heavily soiled with food debris. 2. Wall at cookline soiled with dust. 3. Floor inside kitchen heavily storage shed heavily soiled with food debris.
36-50-4
29
Nov 18, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
35
Apr 3, 2024
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
16
Dec 8, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Dec 7, 2023
Routine - Food
9 critical violations. 4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 19 violations
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 17 rodent droppings on top of reach-in freezer in kitchen at entrance close to cookline. **Warning**
35A-04-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Backflow prevention device missing from hose connection on front side of building. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
29-34-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Pan of raw beef stored on shelf above pan of beans and package of carrots inside reach-in cooler near cookline.
08A-05-6
High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Pan of rice in steam table lined with a grocery bag.
14-15-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Five flies on and around vegetable storage rack in kitchen near back door. Two flies in kitchen on column near cookline. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
35A-02-6
High Priority - Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Employee entered the kitchen from outside, put on gloves, and began handling food from the cooler and cooking food on the grill. Inspector had manager have employee wash hands. Employee touched phone and clothes, the continued to **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
12A-16-4
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Can of bug spray and bottle of "vapor rub" stored on shelf beside seasonings and sauces in kitchen near prep sink. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
41-10-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. On floor in kitchen below three-compartment sink: beef (47F - Cold Holding). Manager stated the beef was delivered two hours prior. Inspector had manager place beef into refrigeration during this inspection.
03A-02-5
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Employee washed gloved hands in the three-compartment sink rather than change gloves. Inspector had manager have employee wash hands and change gloves. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-09-4
Intermediate - No soap and/or paper towels/mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Handwash sink in kitchen near prep area missing soap and towels. Manager replenished both during this inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Employee washed gloved hands in three-compartment sink. **Repeat Violation**
12A-03-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board at cookline stained. **Repeat Violation**
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. Manager unable to locate proof of any training for employees during this inspection. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. Hood filters missing from hood above grill.
14-42-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl without handle used as scoop inside bag of rice in exterior storage shed.
14-01-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee bottled water stored inside box of limes on top of limes. **Repeat Violation**
12B-07-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Bah of chicken and several sealed bags of beef stored on floor below three-compartment sink in kitchen. Inspector had employee place meat into a cooler during this inspection. **Corrective Action Taken**
08B-38-4
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Floor throughout kitchen soiled with chicken and beef blood and food debris. Wall in kitchen near oven soiled with dust.
36-50-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Wet wiping cloth stored on cutting board in kitchen on steam table.
21-12-4
13
Feb 9, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Oct 13, 2022
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Paraiso Restaurant & Taqueria last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Paraiso Restaurant & Taqueria on file is from Mar 9, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Paraiso Restaurant & Taqueria?
Across the inspection record, “vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at El Paraiso Restaurant & Taqueria.
Has El Paraiso Restaurant & Taqueria's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Paraiso Restaurant & Taqueria have averaged around 11 violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at El Paraiso Restaurant & Taqueria 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 El Paraiso Restaurant & Taqueria inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Paraiso Restaurant & Taqueria is inspected around three times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants