J Lemon & Pepper
Last inspected: Jan 23, 2026
39
Score
Inspectors have visited J Lemon & Pepper 14 times, with records going back to 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Jan 23, 2026. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.
Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around nine violations lately compared to roughly four violations before.
Across the inspection history, “no paper towels” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded three times.
By comparison, the average Jacksonville facility scores 74, putting J Lemon & Pepper on the weaker side. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.
14
Inspections
1
Critical latest
2
Major latest
9
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 23, 2026
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
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
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
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
39
Nov 3, 2025
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
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
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
21
Mar 13, 2025
Complaint Partial
No violations found.
100
Jan 6, 2025
Complaint Partial
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Front Kitchen handwash sink, no towels. Person in Charge stocked. Back kitchen handwash sink not dispensing, Person in Charge changed batteries. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Bathroom facility not clean. Toilet and sink soiled in unisex restroom. **Warning**
32-07-4
86
Jul 30, 2024
Complaint Full
No violations found.
100
Jul 26, 2024
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In small black/glass door reach-in cooler at end of cook line, sliced white cheese (60F - Cold Holding); calamari (57F - Cold Holding); conch (58F - Cold Holding); scallops (56F - Cold Holding); cream cheese (57F - Cold Holding). Operator stated all items placed in cooler last night. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In small black/glass door reach-in cooler at end of cook line, sliced white cheese (60F - Cold Holding); calamari (57F - Cold Holding); conch (58F - Cold Holding); scallops (56F - Cold Holding); cream cheese (57F - Cold Holding). Operator stated all items placed in cooler last night. In flip top reach-in cooler at end of cook line, cut lettuce (45F - Cold Holding); cut tomato (45F - Cold Holding); hamburgers (46F - Cold Holding). Operator stated items placed in cooler a few hours ago. Ice added to items. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. At drink station in kitchen, can of air freshener stored on case of filters. Operator moved to,proper storage. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
41-10-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Handwash sink by triple sinks, no paper towels. Operator supplied. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. 2 drinks on prep counter by front handwash sink. 2 drinks in bottom of flip top reach-in cooler. All drinks moved to proper storage.
12B-07-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Daylight visible at bottom of back door.
35B-01-4
Basic - Floors, walls and/or ceilings soiled/has accumulation of debris. At cook line, hood system and wall behind fryers have grease build up. **Repeat Violation**
36-73-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. In back kitchen across from triple sink, hole in wall. **Repeat Violation**
36-24-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. At cook line, hood filters have build up. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Multiple chicken boxes being reused. Operator removed boxes. **Corrected On-Site**
25-32-4
43
May 21, 2024
Complaint Partial
No violations found.
100
Oct 24, 2023
Complaint Full
7 critical violations. 9 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee in drive through touched face and hair then immediately handled to go food (opening and inspecting container) without washing hands. Manager coached employee on proper hand washing procedures. Employee washed hands properly. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-10-4
High Priority - Employee washed hands with no soap. Cook in back area used hand washing sink and only rinsed off hands. Manager coached employee on proper hand washing procedures. Employee washed hands properly. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-20-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. One live fly observed in kitchen. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
35A-02-6
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In front counter display cooler, 41 portions of banana pudding and 29 pieces of cheesecake stored overnight 50F. Items discarded. See stop sale. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In front counter display cooler, 41 portions of banana pudding and 29 pieces of cheesecake stored overnight 50F. Items discarded. See stop sale. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Pain reliever bottle and spray bottle containing chemical cleaner stored on top of white reach in freezer next to cans of tuna and to go items. Toxic items moved and stored correctly. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
41-10-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Missing at the ends of the splitter for mop sink faucet where green hoses are attached.
29-42-4
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Employee in front of kitchen by drive through area.
12B-02-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Front counter cooler door is cracked. Reach in cooler between drive through and kitchen has doors with exposed insulation. Front door handle repaired with blue tape. Dish spray hose repaired with blue tape. Operator states new front cooler is ordered. Employee removed tape from dish hose. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Floor in outside dry storage unit.
36-12-4
Basic - Floors, walls, and/or ceilings soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor in dry storage area in back. Floor in dry storage by ice machine. Floor in outside walk in freezer. Wall behind fryers in kitchen. Ceiling in kitchen by cooking area. **Repeat Violation**
36-73-4
Basic - Garbage can located outside has no lid or lid open/broken. Dumpster outside of establishment. Operator states that there was a dumpster fire and lids were destroyed. Operator has called trash company to replace. **Corrective Action Taken**
33-15-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Wall by white reach in freezer in kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
36-24-5
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Scoops for bulk containers of flour and cornmeal in kitchen. Scoops moved and stored correctly. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters above fryers in kitchen. Back of fryers in kitchen. Multiple gaskets for reach in coolers in kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Operator does not permit customers to use bathroom. Bathroom in dining area has out of order sign and is locked. Operator removed sign. **Corrected On-Site**
32-24-4
22
Sep 12, 2023
Complaint Full
4 critical violations. 3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 15 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
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
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
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
17
Jul 24, 2023
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Employee washed hands with no soap. Employee washed hands in back hand washing sink without soap.
12A-20-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Interior of ice machine in kitchen (deflector). **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
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/ No certified food manager present with five employees working. Certified food manager arrived at end of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
53A-05-6
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At hand washing sink by front counter. Towels provided. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. At hand washing sink in back kitchen by triple sink. Soap provided. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle containing bleach chemical cleaner stored under hand washing sink at front counter. **Repeat Violation**
41-17-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Front door handle is loose (blue tape). Interior of reach in cooler by fryers exposed insulation. Cracked window for reach in cooler at front counter. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Floors, walls, and/or ceilings soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor under racks near ice machine. Floor in walk in cooler. Floor in walk in freezer. Floor in back kitchen area. Ceiling vents above ice machine in kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
36-73-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Container of oil on floor in kitchen. Cases of chicken on floor in walk in freezer. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. By back booth in dining area.
36-24-5
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Missing at front counter reach in cooler.
05-09-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters above cooking equipment. Multiple handles for reach in coolers in kitchen. Orange dolly by triple sink. Multiple shelves throughout kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Both front entrance and rear exit doors do not fully self close. Maintenance on site to repair. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
35B-03-4
Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Small area by front counter. **Repeat Violation**
36-02-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License displayed expired 06/01/2023.
50-09-4
33
May 25, 2023
Complaint Full
5 critical violations. 5 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 18 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
No Bare Hand Contact with Ready-to-Eat Food
FL-09
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
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
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
7
Dec 6, 2022
Complaint Full
No violations found.
100
Oct 27, 2022
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
22
Aug 27, 2022
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was J Lemon & Pepper last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at J Lemon & Pepper on file is from Jan 23, 2026. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at J Lemon & Pepper?
Across the inspection record, “no paper towels” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at J Lemon & Pepper.
How does J Lemon & Pepper compare to other restaurants in Jacksonville?
J Lemon & Pepper most recently scored 39 out of 100, which is lower than the Jacksonville average of 74.
Has J Lemon & Pepper's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at J Lemon & Pepper have averaged around nine violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at J Lemon & Pepper 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 J Lemon & Pepper inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, J Lemon & Pepper is inspected around four times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants