Habaneros Mexican Grill
Last inspected: Apr 8, 2026
64
Score
Public records show nine inspections at Habaneros Mexican Grill stretching back to 2022. On Apr 8, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near six violations each time.
Looking across the full record, “equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting” is the recurring theme, flagged six times.
That's lower than the typical North Fort Myers restaurant, which scores around 89. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
9
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 8, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed #10 can of Salsa Verde with large dent on rim and seam on dunnage rack by walk in cooler. Operator discarded can. **Corrective Action Taken**
01B-01-4
Basic - Drain cover(s) missing. Mop sink.Operator located drain cover and covered drain. **Corrected On-Site**
29-18-4
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed cook on line wearing a watch while preparing food.
13-07-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed metal pans wet nesting on shelf across from dishwasher. **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid.
33-16-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed frozen beef thawing at room temperature in back prep area.
06-01-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
21-12-4
64
Oct 20, 2025
Routine - Food
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Basic - Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine.
16-23-4
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. Observed tilapia partially frozen inside commercially reduced packaging inside walk in cooler. Operator removed fish from packaging. **Corrected On-Site**
06-09-1
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. **Repeat Violation**
32-12-6
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee on cooks line preparing food with no hair restraint.
13-03-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed metal pans wet nesting on shelf next to dishwasher. **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
78
Apr 24, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Observed can of Raid in kitchen area. Operator removed spray can from kitchen. **Corrected On-Site**
41-05-4
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored over raw beef in standup reach in cooler in prep kitchen. Operator moved chicken below raw beef. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed pain reliever on shelf above prep table on cook's line. Operator removed medication. **Corrected On-Site**
41-07-4
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Observed seven employees 3 in kitchen, 4 on floor running food and expediting food. Certified Food Manager/Operator arrived during inspection.
53A-05-6
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic and metal containers wet nesting on shelf across from dishwasher.
24-08-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand washing sign at hand washing sink next to hot table in prep kitchen.
31B-04-4
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
32-12-6
50
Nov 5, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw scallops stored over ready to eat refried beans in walk in cooler. Operator moved raw scallops to lower shelf below ready to eat items. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle with clear liquid unlabeled outside bar area.
41-17-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed empty pitcher in hand washing sink at end of cook's line. Operator removed from sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
53B-14-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed plastic bowl used as a scoop in bulk ajonoli. Operator removed bowl. **Corrected On-Site**
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. Observed salmon in walk in cooler thawing in commercial packaging. Operator cut open bags during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
06-09-1
58
May 13, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw chicken (47F - Cold Holding); raw shrimp (46F - Cold Holding); chorizo (46F - Cold Holding); raw steaks (47F - Cold Holding) in reach-in cooler under cook line. The operator placed ice on all raw products. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-13: Observed raw chicken 46F, raw steak 47F, raw shrimp 48F and raw chorizo 48F in reach-in cooler undercook line. The manager is placing ice on raw products. **Corrected On-Site**
03A-02-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-13: **Time Extended**
36-34-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed ambient temperature 45F in reach-in cooler under cook line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-13: Observed reach-in cooler under cook line ambient temperature 46F.
14-74-7
78
Mar 12, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw chicken (47F - Cold Holding); raw shrimp (46F - Cold Holding); chorizo (46F - Cold Holding); raw steaks (47F - Cold Holding) in reach-in cooler under cook line. The operator placed ice on all raw products. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Employee dried hands on clothes/apron/soiled towel after washing. Observed cook drying hands with towel after washing hands. **Warning**
12A-18-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw talipa and raw salmon over ready to eat shredded chicken in walk-in cooler. The manager moved the raw talipa and raw salmon to another shelf in walk-in cooler. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ **Warning**
53A-05-6
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. **Warning**
41-17-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. **Warning**
36-34-5
Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed ambient temperature 45F in reach-in cooler under cook line. **Warning**
14-74-7
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. **Warning**
13-03-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed containers. **Warning**
10-01-5
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. **Warning**
21-04-4
41
Sep 26, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Observed can of Raid on shelf next to mop sink.
41-05-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Raw chicken at 2 hours (46F - Cold Holding); Raw steak at 2 hours (48F - Cold Holding) on cook's line in low boy drawers beneath the grille. Operator had employee put ice on items during inspection. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed case of beef stored on floor of walk-in cooler. Operator moved to shelf. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop stored in mop sink.
42-01-4
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. Observed salmon in walk-in cooler not removed from reduced oxygen packaging. Discussed proper thawing processes with operator. **Repeat Violation**
06-09-1
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic beverage cups wet nesting next to soda station in kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
61
Mar 27, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade with buildup of food debris on blade. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
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. Provided Operator with Employee Reporting Agreement DBPR Form HR 5030-103 via email. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed CO2 tanks not secured in rear hallway across from walk-in cooler.
51-11-4
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. Observed salmon and tilapia in walk-in cooler not removed from reduced oxygen packaging. Discussed proper thawing processes with operator. **Corrective Action Taken**
06-09-1
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee with no hair restraint on cooks line preparing food for customers.
13-03-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed metal containers wet nesting on wire rack across from dishwasher. **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed case of beef stored on floor of walk-in freezer.
08B-38-4
Basic - Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed silverware forks and spoons stored upright with food contact surface up on shelf in between bar and cooks line.
24-18-4
61
Jul 28, 2022
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw unpasteurized shell eggs over raw fish in reach in cooler on cooks line. Operator moved eggs to bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw chicken in low boy reach in cooler at 49F for 1.5 hours per operator. Operator iced drawers during inspection. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade with buildup of food debris on blade.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand washing sink with wet towel in drain by cooks line. Operator removed cloth. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee wearing a bracelet while preparing food on cooks line.
13-07-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed metal containers wet nesting on wire rack across from dishwasher. **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
55
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Habaneros Mexican Grill last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Habaneros Mexican Grill on file is from Apr 8, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Habaneros Mexican Grill?
Across the inspection record, “equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Habaneros Mexican Grill.
How does Habaneros Mexican Grill compare to other restaurants in North Fort Myers?
Habaneros Mexican Grill most recently scored 64 out of 100, which is lower than the North Fort Myers average of 89.
Has Habaneros Mexican Grill's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Habaneros Mexican Grill have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Habaneros Mexican Grill 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 Habaneros Mexican Grill inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Habaneros Mexican Grill is inspected around two times per year on average.
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