Gators Dockside
Last inspected: Nov 6, 2025
18
Score
Across the available record, Gators Dockside has 15 inspections on file, the first dated 2022. Gators Dockside was last inspected on Nov 6, 2025. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around three violations to closer to 14 violations per visit.
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing five times across the record.
Restaurants in Cape Canaveral average 76, so Gators Dockside trails the local norm. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.
15
Inspections
3
Critical latest
6
Major latest
13
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 6, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 6 major violations. 13 minor violations.
View 22 violations
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. Box of raw chicken in container of raw shrimp. Operator moved **Corrected On-Site**
08A-17-6
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found Observed 3 live flying insects in dish area and 1 live flying insect in rear prep area **Repeat Violation**
35A-02-7
High Priority - In-use utensil stored in unclean water at or above 135 degrees Fahrenheit. On grill top. 97°F. Operator moved **Corrective Action Taken**
10-05-5
Intermediate - Water treatment device has not been inspected or serviced according to manufacturer's instructions. No date of last service for fliters at tiki bar ice machine **Repeat Violation**
29-28-4
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. Milk not dated
02C-03-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Soda gun at interior bar is soiled **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Sink at cook line entrance near fry station. Next to tiki bar ice machine **Repeat Violation**
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. Not signed by most recent hired employees
11-26-1
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle not labeled identifying liquid contents **Repeat Violation**
41-17-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Perforated acoustic tiles over cook line
36-37-5
Basic - Clean equipment and utensils not separated from soiled equipment and utensils at warewashing area. Dirty pans stacked with clean dishes
24-03-4
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Operator moved **Corrected On-Site**
12B-02-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. At entry to walk-in freezer
36-17-5
Basic - Food stored in a location that is exposed to splash/dust. Wine bottles in standing water in bar reach-in coolers **Repeat Violation**
08B-36-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Walk-in freezer door frame **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Exterior men's room. Sink next to tiki bar ice machine
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Walk-in cooler shelves have an accumulation of mold like substance
23-03-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Faucet not attached to sink
29-08-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Glass door reach-in cooler on service side of cook line
14-33-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Multiple bar reach-in coolers **Repeat Violation**
29-49-6
Basic - Thawed portions of ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food rose above 41 degrees Fahrenheit while being thawed under running water. Raw white fish
06-03-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. White granular substance removed from original packaging not identified. Operator labeled **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
18
Sep 4, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Sep 3, 2025
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 5 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 19 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach in cooler across from fryers egg rolls (47F - Cold Holding); raw shrimp (47F - Cold Holding); gator tail (47F - Cold Holding); cod (47F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (51F - Cold Holding); wings (51F - Cold Holding). Items were stored in unit over night. SEE STOP SALE **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In reach in cooler across from fryers egg rolls (47F - Cold Holding); raw shrimp (47F - Cold Holding); gator tail (47F - Cold Holding); cod (47F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (51F - Cold Holding); wings (51F - Cold Holding). Items were stored in unit over night.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In walk in cooler raw tuna on shelf above cooked crab and lobster meat. Operator moved **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found Observed live flying insects; 7 in deli slicer area. 35 in dish area. 14 in rear prep area near walk in cooler . **Admin Complaint**
35A-02-7
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Soda guns behind bars are soiled. Dispenser chute for oasis machine has an accumulation of mold like substance
22-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Hand wash sink next to fryer station. Operator stocked **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle not labeled identifying liquid contents.
41-17-4
Intermediate - Water treatment device has not been inspected or serviced according to manufacturer's instructions. No date of last service on filter for exterior tiki ice machine. At soda bib station of duty storage room near interior walk in cooler. Filter last serviced 7/30/20
29-28-4
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Hand wash sink in prep area next to walk in cooler **Warning**
27-16-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. In bottom of multiple reach in coolers behind each bar attached to main building **Repeat Violation**
29-49-6
Basic - Water draining onto floor surface. Drain pipe from sinks for exterior bar attached to main building drain directly on to the floor
29-03-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Compressed air tanks not secured in multiple locations
51-11-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tiles over cook line are soiled with old food splatters
36-34-5
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Missing from large stall in women's bathroom
32-12-6
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Stacked Containers on drying shelves in dish area
24-08-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Leg to hand wash sink at exterior bar attached to main building is broken
14-11-5
Basic - Food stored in a location that is exposed to splash/dust. Beer bottles in reach in coolers are stored in brownish fluid **Repeat Violation**
08B-36-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Build up of ice at top of reach in cooler across from fryers. Build up of ice on door frame of walk in freezer **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. On cook line. Utensils in standing water at 121°F and 90°F. Operator moved each container over hotter grill/flat top areas. **Corrective Action Taken**
10-07-4
20
Feb 18, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Feb 17, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
45
Sep 5, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Sep 4, 2024
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 8 major violations. 13 minor violations.
View 26 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Fully thawed raw tuna in vacuum sealed packaging bearing indicator label for thawing requirements.
01B-13-4
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Chef handled raw fish with gloved hands. Then removed gloves but did not wash hands before touching clean surfaces
12A-09-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 26 live flying insects in dish area. Observed 3 live flying insects over prep table across from ice machine in kitchen. Observed 12 live flying insects in prep area next to walk in cooler **Admin Complaint**
35A-02-6
High Priority - Employee dried hands on clothes/apron/soiled towel after washing. Chef wiped bare hands on soiled towel on countertop after washing hands
12A-18-4
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Sanitizer bucket stored on shelf above spices. Operator moved **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
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. Emailed paperwork. **Corrected On-Site**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Surface area surrounding dispenser nozzles of soda machines has an accumulation of mold like substance
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand wash sink next to ice machine for tiki bar is blocked by cart. Operator moved **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Multiple hand wash sinks being used as dump sinks
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Benedict's on brunch menu. Coconut ahi tuna on specials menu. Operator marked **Corrected On-Site**
02B-01-5
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Multiple hand wash sinks
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Water treatment device has not been inspected or serviced according to manufacturer's instructions. Filters have date of 7/26/23
29-28-4
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. At hand wash sink in prep area next to walk in cooler **Warning**
27-16-4
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. No covered waste receptacle in unisex employee restroom
32-12-5
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. Fully thawed raw tuna in vacuum sealed packaging bearing indicator label for thawing requirements. SEE STOP SALE
06-09-1
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Ice buckets
24-05-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
16-03-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. On cook line spatulas stored in standing water at 111°F. Operator discarded **Corrected On-Site**
10-07-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Emailed signage **Corrected On-Site**
51-13-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Missing at hand wash sink near entry to cook line
31B-04-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Bottom of reach in cooler at attached exterior bar
29-49-6
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs hanging on handle for oven. Operator moved **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Walk in freezer has an accumulation of ice along door frame and on floor
14-69-4
Basic - Food being prepared outside. Bartender is cutting fruits at exterior tiki bar
08B-32-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. In kitchen areas and behind interior bar
36-22-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Chef put on hat **Corrected On-Site**
13-03-4
11
Feb 26, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Self-service salad bar/buffet lacking adequate sneezeguards or other proper protection from contamination. Self service buffet in dining hall does not provide adequate protection/sneeze guards for table with fruits and vegetables. Table not always set up next to buffet
08B-01-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In flip top of reach in cooler on cook line hard boiled eggs (50F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (51F - Cold Holding) **Repeat Violation**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand wash sink in ice machine room next to exterior bar is blocked by cart and debris
31A-09-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Raw chicken being thawed in cold running water. Bags floating on top of water instead of being fully submerged **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Knife stored in gap between prep table and make line reach in cooler. Operator moved **Corrected On-Site**
10-17-4
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Ice scoop stored in soiled holster
10-12-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Drinks on prep surfaces of cook line. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
55
Oct 2, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Sep 28, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 15 live flying insects in kitchen areas. Operator killed 9 **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-28: Observed 6 live flying insects at callback **Time Extended**
35A-02-6
86
Sep 26, 2023
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Multiple liquor bottles at each bar have dead flies inside.
01B-13-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach in cooler at end of cook line cooked noodles (47F - Cold Holding); pico (47F - Cold Holding); cut tomatoes (47F - Cold Holding); cut lettuce (47F - Cold Holding). **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. In walk in cooler. Raw chicken over raw shrimp on speed rack. Operator moved **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In reach in cooler on cook line. Raw shrimp stored over cooked noodles. Operator moved **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 15 live flying insects in kitchen areas. Operator killed 9 **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
35A-02-6
Intermediate - Food service manager not certified within 30 days of employment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Phil has been employed for over 30 days and has not yet acquired a manager certificate
53A-04-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Surface area on under side of the beer tower has an accumulation of mold like substance at interior bar. Oasis machine has an accumulation of mold like substance in dispenser chute **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Compressed air tank not secured **Repeat Violation**
51-11-4
37
Jul 5, 2023
Complaint Full
No violations found.
100
Jun 30, 2023
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 18 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In bottom of main flip top reach in cooler on service line. slaw (47F - Cold Holding)
03A-02-5
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 5 live flying insects in dry storage Observed 3 live flying insects in downstairs bar Observed 2 live flying insects at covered bar nearest interior restrooms Operator killed all on site **Warning**
35A-02-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Surface area surrounding dispenser nozzles of all soda machines has an accumulation of mold like substance. Operator began cleaning **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Ahi poke on seafood menu **Corrected On-Site**
02B-01-5
Intermediate - No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. No written plan for breading station used with raw product. Emailed paperwork
03F-10-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle not labeled idntifying liquid contents **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
41-17-4
Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Cooks put on beard net **Corrected On-Site**
13-04-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Torn gasket on reach in cooler across from flat top on cook line **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Walk in cooler
36-01-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior surfaces of ice bins at each soda machine have an accumulation of mold like substance. Operator cleaned **Corrected On-Site**
22-20-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. In flip top of reach in cooler. Plastic soufflé cups used as scoops. Operator discarded **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Compressed air tank not secured on rear dock
51-11-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tiles over cook line are soiled
36-34-5
Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Multiple cracked containers on drying racks in dish area. Operator discarded **Corrected On-Site**
14-38-4
Basic - Food stored outside. Soda bibs next to beer walk in cooler for tiki bar are stored outside
08B-42-4
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Scoop holsters at ice machine are soiled and have standing water inside. Operator cleaned **Corrected On-Site**
10-12-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hoods and surrounding surfaces have an accumulation grease dripping Surface beneath drying mats for bar glasswares are soiled **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Receptacle in handicap stall of interior restroom is missing the lid
32-12-5
27
Jan 17, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Dec 29, 2022
Complaint Full
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food service manager not certified within 30 days of employment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Stated that he has been employed as a manager for 2 months at restaurant and has not acquired a manager certificate **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-12-29: Manager signed up for class **Time Extended**
53A-04-6
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Gators Dockside last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Gators Dockside on file is from Nov 6, 2025. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Gators Dockside?
Across the inspection record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Gators Dockside.
How does Gators Dockside compare to other restaurants in Cape Canaveral?
Gators Dockside most recently scored 18 out of 100, which is lower than the Cape Canaveral average of 76.
Has Gators Dockside's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Gators Dockside have averaged around 14 violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Gators Dockside 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 Gators Dockside inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Gators Dockside is inspected around five times per year on average.
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