La Habana Tapas

5230 Baymeadows Rd 12, Jacksonville, FL 32217

Italian

Last inspected: Apr 16, 2026

Score

High Risk

The health department has logged five inspections at La Habana Tapas, the earliest from 2024. Inspectors last stopped by on Apr 16, 2026. A high risk tier suggests the facility had a rough recent inspection, with multiple violations on record.

Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around 10 violations per visit versus roughly two violations earlier in the record.

Across the inspection history, “no chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded three times.

Restaurants in Jacksonville average 74, so La Habana Tapas trails the local norm. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Apr 16, 2026

Food-Licensing Inspection

1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.

View 10 violations

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Raw chicken over ready to eat items in reach in freezer. Moved by manager. **Corrected On-Site**

08A-02-6

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled chemical spray bottle of bleach at kitchen. Marked by manger. **Corrective Action Taken**

41-17-4

Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test strips available.

16-37-1

Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. No probe thermometer available.

05-08-4

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No Hand Wash Sign in woman's restroom.

31B-04-4

Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Old equipment in hallway by rear restroom.

33-31-5

Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Leak at Hand Wash Sink faucet in kitchen.

29-11-4

Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee jacket on cooler. Moved by manager.

40-06-5

Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Standing water on floor. Under Three compartment sink. Cleaned by manager. **Corrective Action Taken**

36-22-4

Basic - Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Torn cooler gasket. Kitchen cooler.

14-36-5

Sep 9, 2025

Routine - Food

2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.

View 4 violations

High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Can of air freshener next to cups. Moved by manager. Chlorine next to single service items. Moved by manager

41-10-4

High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Establishment observed preparing, serving, or selling food to customers with an expired license. expired 06/01/25 **Admin Complaint**

50-17-3

Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Owner has taken the prerequisite training for serve Safe but not the exam. **Warning**

53A-01-7

Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Rear exit door not self closing.

35B-03-4

Jun 9, 2025

Routine - Food

No violations found.

100

Apr 7, 2025

Routine - Food

7 major violations.

View 7 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. No procedure. Emailed form.

11-27-4

Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. No Certified Food Manager. **Warning**

53A-01-7

Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test strip available.

16-37-1

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at Hand Wash Sink.

31B-02-4

Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. No proof of any employee training. **Warning**

53B-01-5

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. No completed forms. Emailed copy.

11-26-1

Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at Hand Wash Sink.

31B-03-4

Aug 12, 2024

Food-Licensing Inspection

1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.

View 7 violations

High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 2 tiny flies in dining room.

35A-02-6

Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chemical test strips available.

16-37-1

Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. No probe thermometer available.

05-08-4

Basic - Uncleanable knife block in use to store knives. Wood Knife block used for knife.

14-55-4

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Unlabeled powder container.

02D-01-5

Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Rear exit door not self closing.

35B-03-4

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No Hand Wash Sign at men's restroom.

31B-04-4

Frequently Asked Questions

When was La Habana Tapas last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at La Habana Tapas on file is from Apr 16, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at La Habana Tapas?

Across the inspection record, “no chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at La Habana Tapas.

How does La Habana Tapas compare to other restaurants in Jacksonville?

La Habana Tapas most recently scored 47 out of 100, which is lower than the Jacksonville average of 74.

Has La Habana Tapas' inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at La Habana Tapas have averaged around 10 violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at La Habana Tapas 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 La Habana Tapas inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, La Habana Tapas is inspected around three times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Wicked Barley Brewing Co

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Score: 32 — High Risk

Enkelana Caffe

3861 Baymeadows Rd

Score: 55 — Medium Risk

Aroma Corner 1

5111 Baymeadows Rd Unit 12

Score: 55 — Medium Risk

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