El Sol Mexican Restaurant
Last inspected: Feb 20, 2026
74
Score
El Sol Mexican Restaurant has been inspected 12 times since 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Feb 20, 2026. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around nine violations compared to roughly 15 violations earlier on.
Across the inspection history, “current hotel and restaurant license not displayed” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded four times.
The city-wide average sits at 77, which El Sol Mexican Restaurant's 74 doesn't quite reach. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 20, 2026
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris. -inside of ice machine has an accumulation of pink/black, mold-like substance -multiple cutting boards stained on cookline **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-02-20: -multiple cutting boards stained on cookline, operator states he will order new cutting boards **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. -throughout the kitchen **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-02-20: **Time Extended**
36-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Light not functioning. -multiple lights throughout the kitchen **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-02-20: **Time Extended**
36-62-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Pots/pans shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-02-20: **Time Extended**
14-17-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. -triple sink sprayer **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-02-20: **Time Extended**
29-11-4
74
Feb 9, 2026
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
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
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
26
Sep 10, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
27
May 20, 2025
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. -throughout kitchen **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-09: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-20: -operator states professional resurfacing has been scheduled **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
36-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Light not functioning. -multiple lights over prep area and in walk-in freezer **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-09: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-20: -operator states new lights have been ordered **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
36-62-4
90
May 9, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 10 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -slicer soiled -inside ice machine -inside of microwaves -multiple cutting boards stained **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-09: -multiple cutting boards stained **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. -"Pepsi" cups in beverage service area **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-09: **Time Extended**
24-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. -walk-in cooler door in disrepair **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-09: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. -throughout prep area and under rear area cooking equipment **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-09: **Time Extended**
36-73-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. -throughout kitchen **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-09: **Time Extended**
36-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. -walk-in freezer **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-09: **Time Extended**
14-69-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Light not functioning. -multiple lights over prep area and in walk-in freezer **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-09: **Time Extended**
36-62-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -hood filters over cooking equipment have an accumulation of grease and food debris -shelves on cookline tables **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-09: -hood filters over cooking equipment have an accumulation of grease and food debris **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. -salsa cooler -fries cooler **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-09: **Time Extended**
29-49-6
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Storage area not maintained clean and organized. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-09: **Time Extended**
33-34-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. -walls behind prep table next to ice machine -wall above/behind cooking equipment -walls under dishwasher have a significant accumulation of has an accumulation of black, mold-like substance **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-09: -walls behind prep table next to ice machine -wall above/behind cooking equipment **Time Extended**
36-27-5
55
May 8, 2025
Routine - Food
7 critical violations. 5 major violations. 19 minor violations.
View 31 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. -raw bacon stored over habanero sauce in walk-in cooler **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
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. -raw chicken stored over raw beef in walk-in freezer **Warning**
08A-17-6
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. -1 on drain pipe underneath handwash sink in front of hot holding cabinet **Warning**
35A-05-4
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. -employee touched raw food with gloved hand then touched plate **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
12A-09-4
High Priority - Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
29-37-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. -salsa 59-60F stored on prep table next to chips dispenser, operator placed on ice bath **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. **Warning**
29-42-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -slicer soiled -inside ice machine -inside of microwaves -multiple cutting boards stained **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. -handwash sink in bar used to store black plastic lid and hose, employee removed **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. -handwash sink across from glass door reach-in cooler -handwash sink next to ice machine -handwash sink across from dishwashing area, employee restocked **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31B-02-4
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. **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. -multiple cooked foods in walk-in cooler **Warning**
02C-02-5
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. -salsa cooler -fries cooler **Warning**
29-49-6
Basic - Storage area not maintained clean and organized. **Warning**
33-34-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. -pvc pipe disconnected below handwash sink **Warning**
29-08-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
16-21-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-34-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Warning**
50-09-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. -"Pepsi" cups in beverage service area **Warning**
24-08-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. -walk-in cooler door in disrepair **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. -throughout prep area and under rear area cooking equipment **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. -throughout kitchen **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-11-4
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. -multiple foods on floor in walk-in cooler **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08B-47-4
Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. -multiple cracked lids on foods in walk-in cooler **Warning**
14-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. -walk-in freezer **Warning**
14-69-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. -flour container **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
10-01-5
Basic - Light not functioning. -multiple lights over prep area and in walk-in freezer **Warning**
36-62-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -hood filters over cooking equipment have an accumulation of grease and food debris -shelves on cookline tables **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. -walls behind prep table next to ice machine -wall above/behind cooking equipment -walls under dishwasher have a significant accumulation of has an accumulation of black, mold-like substance **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-27-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. -flour container **Warning**
02D-01-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Warning**
42-01-4
8
Dec 9, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 19 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
9
Apr 3, 2024
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
47
Nov 15, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some 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 2023-11-15: **Time Extended**
53B-13-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-15: **Time Extended**
22-20-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License is not on site. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-15: **Time Extended**
50-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-15: **Time Extended**
36-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Gap in ceiling where conduit enters. Above dishmachine. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-15: **Time Extended**
36-24-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Light not functioning. - multiple ceiling lights out in kitchen **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-15: **Time Extended**
36-62-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, residue or dust. - pizza oven roller - walk in cooler fan guards - shelving below steam tables **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-15: Pizza roller Complied fan and shelving below steam tables. **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Restaurant equipment, three compartment sink stored outside . **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-15: **Time Extended**
33-31-5
64
Nov 14, 2023
Routine - Food
8 critical violations. 4 major violations. 21 minor violations.
View 33 violations
High Priority - Establishment using a sanitizer solution that does not meet the requirements specified in 40 CFR 180. Only use single-service items to serve food to customers until approved sanitizer is available for warewashing. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
22-48-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. - raw pork over peppers, single door upright cooler at the end of cookline **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. - salmon 53F, walk in cooler; stop sale for improper thawing - salsa, 51-60F, less than 4 hours; relocated in walk in freezer for temperature recovery; **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. - queso, 130F, held off temperature control less than 30 minutes. Corrective action taken: placed on stove to reheat; rechecked at 172F **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Cleaning chemical stored next to soda bag., at wait station. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-10-4
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. - burrito sauce 44-53F, cooling overnight **Warning**
03D-02-5
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. **Warning**
01B-01-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Blender blocking bar hand wash sink. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at server station handwash sink. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning**
53B-13-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Flan in triple glass door reach in cooler , prepared three days ago not date marked. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02C-02-5
Basic - Gap in ceiling where conduit enters. Above dishmachine. **Warning**
36-24-5
Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. **Warning**
14-69-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-20-4
Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. **Warning**
36-11-4
Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. - on lettuce bucket in walk in cooler **Warning**
14-38-4
Basic - Accumulation of mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. - salsa **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
14-01-5
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. See stop sale. - salmon **Warning**
06-09-1
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License is not on site. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
50-09-4
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. - 6 inside unused oven compartment at cookline **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
35A-03-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. - cell phone on shelf over dry foods at cookline **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. - dry storage area **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. - sugar in server area **Warning**
10-01-5
Basic - Light not functioning. - multiple ceiling lights out in kitchen **Warning**
36-62-4
Basic - No conspicuously located and functioning ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. - cookline prep cooler **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
05-09-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, residue or dust. - pizza oven roller - walk in cooler fan guards - shelving below steam tables **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. - prep cooler in expediting area **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
29-49-6
Basic - Stored food not covered. - Chile rellano **Warning**
08B-12-5
Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Restaurant equipment, three compartment sink stored outside . **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
33-31-5
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. - unwashed green onions over shredded cheese in prep cooler **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-17-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. - salt **Warning**
02D-01-5
7
Feb 28, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 18 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Individual butters (54F - Cold Holding). Item moved to walk in freezer. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale.
01B-01-4
High Priority - Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-02-4
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. **Corrected On-Site**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards stained. Make line. Can opener blade soiled with food debris.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Bar, blocked by blender. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Basic - Accumulation of black mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
22-20-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Pans and bowls. **Corrected On-Site**
24-05-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system.
14-42-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Bar.
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Dishwasher racks soiled. Walk in cooler shelves soiled with food debris.
23-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Corrected On-Site**
33-16-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Make line.
29-49-6
Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Old cooking equipment stored out back.
33-31-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
21-12-4
26
Sep 26, 2022
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 16 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
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
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
18
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Sol Mexican Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Sol Mexican Restaurant on file is from Feb 20, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Sol Mexican Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “current hotel and restaurant license not displayed” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at El Sol Mexican Restaurant.
How does El Sol Mexican Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Sanford?
El Sol Mexican Restaurant most recently scored 74 out of 100, which is lower than the Sanford average of 77.
Has El Sol Mexican Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at El Sol Mexican Restaurant have averaged around nine violations per visit, down from roughly 15 earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at El Sol 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 El Sol Mexican Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Sol Mexican Restaurant is inspected around four times per year on average.
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