Gator Cove
Last inspected: Mar 26, 2026
78
Score
Going back to 2022, Gator Cove has 11 inspections in the public record. On Mar 26, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near eight violations per visit.
“Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing four times across the record.
By comparison, the average Homosassa facility scores 87, putting Gator Cove on the weaker side. The record reflects steady performance over time.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 26, 2026
Routine - Food
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair throughout kitchen in warewashing area and above chest freezers near kitchen enterance. **Repeat Violation**
36-32-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink stored on shelf above clean equipment and batter mix. Employee moved. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone charging and placed on top of cans in dry storage area and a lunchbox stored on top of cans in dry storage area. Operator moved. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Two door vertical reach-in cooler near kitchen entrance handles are broken with tape on handle to repair. Not smooth and easily cleanable.
14-11-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hoods filters are soiled with grease and in disrepair.
23-03-4
78
Dec 17, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Observed several half and half cartons without labels. Employees dated. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02C-03-5
Basic - Ceiling is in disrepair over reach-in freezers in kitchen near three compartment sink. **Repeat Violation**
36-32-5
86
Oct 29, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Chemical spray bottles stored on soda syrup boxes in bar area
41-10-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 1 live fly in cook line area
35A-02-6
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Christina Kevin
53B-02-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Multiple chemical spray bottles in bar area
41-17-4
Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Heavy cream in vertical reach in cooler in kitchen
02C-03-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand wash sink in 3 compartment sink area blocked with floor fan. Operator moved fan. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31A-09-4
Basic - Ceiling shows damage or is in disrepair in kitchen above chest freezers. **Repeat Violation**
36-32-5
Basic - Clean ice buckets not stored inverted or in a protected manner in ice machine area. **Repeat Violation**
24-05-4
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. 1 dead roach on floor by 3 compartment sink 1 dead roach on floor by ice machine Employee cleaned and sanitized both areas. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
35A-03-4
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Sushi in vertical reach in cooler in kitchen
08B-49-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back screen door in kitchen area
35B-01-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Under equipment in cook line area
36-73-4
Basic - Ten (10) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in walk-in cooler. No light in walk in cooler
38-04-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Alligator in pan in sink with standing water. Operator moved to reach in cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
36-02-5
32
Aug 2, 2024
Complaint Full
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-02: **Time Extended**
16-37-1
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Walk in cooler **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-02: **Time Extended**
36-02-5
86
Aug 1, 2024
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
30
Jul 17, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
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
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Insects, Rodents, and Animals Not Present
FL-38
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
30
Jan 9, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 20 minor violations.
View 24 violations
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Employee changed gloves/tasks without hand wash. Discussed proper hand washing and glove use.
12A-07-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food required to be date marked is not date marked and time of opening/preparation cannot be determined. See stop sale. Milk not date marked with date of opening, expired 12-20-23.
01B-17-5
Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Milk not date marked with date of opening. Expired 12-20-23
02C-03-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle behind bar with purple liquid in it not labeled
41-17-4
Basic - Ceiling above chest freezers and prep sink in kitchen shows damage or is in disrepair.
36-32-5
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. Salmon not removed from rop packaging before thawing **Repeat Violation**
06-09-1
Basic - Condensation or other drainage not disposed of according to law. Condensation dripping from ac hand,reviewed onto floor in server area storage closet
28-02-4
Basic - Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Employee drinking from cup with no lid. Operator removed **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
12B-12-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee Phone on chest freezer. Employee personal items on dry storage shelves. Operator removed **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Exterior kitchen screen door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair in kitchen area **Repeat Violation**
36-17-5
Basic - Floor/wall under three compartment sink, behind ice machine, throughout server area soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floors throughout bar area behind equipment heavily soiled
36-73-4
Basic - Floors in walk in cooler cracked, not maintained smooth and durable. **Repeat Violation**
36-11-4
Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Multiple Broken hotel pan lids
14-38-4
Basic - Food stored in a prohibited area. Bag in box soda and single service items stored in ac/electrical closet, open rafters with ducts and insulation above
08B-37-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall near rear kitchen door, behind ice machine
36-24-5
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Ice scoop stored on top of dirty/dusty ice machine between uses
10-12-5
Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Lights in kitchen have no shield
38-07-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -fan in kitchen soiled -dry storage shelves soiled
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler in server area, small black mini refrigerator and keg cooler in bar interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. **Repeat Violation**
22-16-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Ice tea bin uncovered in server area
08B-12-5
Basic - Ten (10) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in walk-in cooler. No light in Walk-in-Cooler **Repeat Violation**
38-04-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
42-01-4
22
Sep 25, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 5, 2023
Routine - Food
4 major violations. 13 minor violations.
View 17 violations
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 operator with DBPR HR Forms 5030-103 and 5030-104 **Corrective Action Taken**
11-27-4
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. Provided operator with DBPR HR Forms 5030-103 and 5030-104 **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Unnecessary persons in the food preparation, food storage, or warewashing area. Two young children behind bar area upon my entering the building. Employee escorted them to proper guest area. **Corrected On-Site**
43-08-4
Intermediate - Employee applied hand antiseptic in place of washing hands as required. Employee put gloves on without hand wash. Discussed proper hand washing and glove use with operator. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-01-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. -Hallway storage closet housing single service items and bag in box sodas has open ceiling with open ac ducts and utility lines. -ceiling in kitchen damaged, not smooth and easily cleanable **Repeat Violation**
36-37-5
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. Discussed with operator proper thawing method for ROP fish
06-09-1
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Blue cutting board
14-09-4
Basic - Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Employee cup without lid on top of chest freezer. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-12-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Rear kitchen screen door does not seal when closed, large gap.
35B-01-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. -Floor behind line cooks equipment -beneath bag in box station in front liquor storage room -under sink and behind equipment in bar area
36-73-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Multiple tiles missing at rear kitchen door
36-17-5
Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.
33-19-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. In ladies restroom.
31B-04-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid.
33-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Keg cooler behind bar.
22-16-4
Basic - Ten (10) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in walk-in cooler.
38-04-4
Basic - Unnecessary items stored in garbage enclosure. Broken equipment, old carpet, broken furniture
33-30-4
35
Oct 5, 2022
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
58
Aug 3, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for sanitizer buckets . Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. 400ppm. Operator inspector receptive sanitizer buckets to 100 ppm in the kitchen **Corrective Action Taken**
22-42-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked.fish, chicken and shrimp Operator date Marked foods in the Kitchen and in the walk-in cooler
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Sanitizer spray bottle in the bar area not labeled. Operated labeled spray bottle of time inspection **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. **Repeat Violation**
36-37-5
Basic - Interior of microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.Operator cleaned out the microwave the top bottom and the sides **Corrected On-Site**
22-08-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. By stove . **Repeat Violation**
36-27-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Operator collected the wet towels the kitchen and put them into a sanitizer bucket **Corrective Action Taken**
21-12-4
58
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Gator Cove last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Gator Cove on file is from Mar 26, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Gator Cove?
Across the inspection record, “ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Gator Cove.
How does Gator Cove compare to other restaurants in Homosassa?
Gator Cove most recently scored 78 out of 100, which is lower than the Homosassa average of 87.
Has Gator Cove's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Gator Cove have averaged around eight violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Gator Cove means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Gator Cove inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Gator Cove is inspected around three times per year on average.
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