La Juquilita Restaurant
Last inspected: Feb 18, 2026
86
Score
Inspectors have visited La Juquilita Restaurant 13 times, with records going back to 2022. La Juquilita Restaurant was last inspected on Feb 18, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around seven violations per visit lately, up from roughly five violations before.
When inspectors have written things up, “time/temperature control for safety food cold held” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.
Restaurants in Clearwater average 79, so La Juquilita Restaurant is doing better than most peers. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 18, 2026
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Expired certificates missing for Yolanda Peralta and Ulices Uriel Salinas. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-02-18: **Time Extended**
53B-13-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling tiles near kitchen door to dining area stained. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-02-18: **Time Extended**
36-34-5
86
Feb 17, 2026
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 3 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 20 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. ground beef (46F - Cold Holding); ground pork (46F - Cold Holding); shredded mozzarella (46F - Cold Holding) items placed in reach in cooler at 10:30. Operator placed in freezer. Second temp 12:20 pork 37F, mozzarella 43F, beef 41F. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Can of flying insect spray in mop sink. Operator removed from food area. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-05-4
High Priority - Pesticide-emitting strip present in food prep area. Fly tape hanging over reach in freezer. Operator removed from ceiling. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-24-4
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Warning**
50-17-3
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Nonfood grade bag storing rice on steam table. Operator removed from bag and placed in pan. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
14-31-5
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found 7 flying insects next to mop sink and 3 compartment sink. Operator eradicated during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
35A-02-7
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Ice machine accumulated with pink substance in the back corner in bar area. **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Ceviche not identified as raw on menu. Operator began marking menus with symbol to indicate ceviche is raw. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
02B-01-5
Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Expired certificates missing for Yolanda Peralta and Ulices Uriel Salinas. **Warning**
53B-13-5
Basic - Ceiling tiles near kitchen door to dining area stained. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-34-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Metal pans wet nesting on shelf above 3 compartment sink. Operator separated pans and set aside to rewash. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
24-08-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor soiled with heavy grease between flattop and stove. **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Oil stored on floor. Operator relocated off floor. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in 3 reach-in freezers near back door. **Warning**
14-69-4
Basic - Interior of oven has accumulation of black food debris. **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Accumulation of grease under flat top grill. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Warning**
33-16-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Stuffed peppers, rice and chicken in walk in stored uncovered. Operator placed plastic wrap on items. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-12-5
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed heads of lettuce stored over cooked chicken. Operator relocated lettuce. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-17-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Squeeze bottles at cook line not labeled. **Warning**
02D-01-5
17
Sep 16, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Sep 15, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Live, small flying insects found. Observed around 15 small flying insects in the kitchen near the hand washing sink and three compartment sink. Manager was able to eradicate. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-15: Observed 15 flies in the same area near the handwashing sink near the soda machine. Operator was able to eradicate 14 of them with a swatter and placed a fly trap in the area. **Admin Complaint**
35A-02-7
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed food debris in the handwashing sink in the back prep area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-15: Evidence food debris in handwashing sink **Time Extended**
31A-11-4
78
Sep 11, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found. Observed around 15 small flying insects in the kitchen near the hand washing sink and three compartment sink. Manager was able to eradicate. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
35A-02-7
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed cold medicine being stored above a prep table. **Warning**
41-07-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed food debris in the handwashing sink in the back prep area. **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels, mechanical hand drying device or soap provided at handwash sink in the kitchen near the three compartment sink and back prep area. Manager was able to provide both. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed several water stained ceiling tiles in the kitchen area. **Warning**
36-34-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed the license expired on 02/01/24 being displayed. Operator attempted to print license but the DBPR Server is down. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
50-09-4
Basic - Grease receptacle lid open, broken, or missing. Observed the lids to the dumpster missing. **Warning**
33-29-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed grease build up in the hood filter. **Warning**
23-03-4
50
Apr 30, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee enter kitchen don gloves and begin touching tortilla shells without first washing hands.
12A-07-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on steam table on cooks line is stained with food buildup between cracks. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
05-08-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Bottom shelf of prep table near walk-in cooler is rusted.
14-11-5
Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable.
36-11-4
64
Feb 18, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Walk in cooler: ground beef (50F - Cold Holding); rice (49F- Cold Holding); milk (48F- Cold Holding); chicken broth (48F - Cold Holding); sour cream (50F - Cold Holding); refried beans (47F - Cold Holding) Inspector observed ambient thermometer reading at 47F. Reach in deli cooler on cook line @3:15pm: cut lettuce (53F - Cold Holding); pico (62F - Cold Holding); raw shrimp (63F - Cold Holding); cut cabbage (56F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese (56F - Cold Holding) Employees moved food items into walk-in cooler and place bags of ice to bring down the temperatures. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-18: Walk in cooler: ground beef (39F - Cold Holding); chicken broth (37F- Cold Holding); cooked stuffed bell peppers (38F- Cold Holding); raw beef (39F - Cold Holding); House made green salsa (40F - Cold Holding); refried beans (41F - Cold Holding) Observed Digital thermometer gauge inside walk in cooler reading at 40F during callback inspection. Reach in deli cooler on cook line: cut lettuce (41F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese (43F - Cold Holding); raw shrimp (42F - Cold Holding); sliced tomatoes (43F- Cold Holding); raw chicken (41F - Cold Holding); raw chicken breast (40F - Cold Holding) Observed digital thermometer gauge on the outside of the cooler is currently reading 38F. **Time Extended** **Time Extended**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Reach in deli cooler cutting boards stained. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-18: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed storage unit outside back kitchen area. Patio added with seating increase of 61 seats. Inspector provided DBPR seating change evaluation form. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-18: Time extended 60 days from routine inspection conducted on 2/23/25. **Time Extended**
51-16-7
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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 employee training observed. Four employees all hired over 60 days ago engaging with food or in food preparation during the time of the inspection. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-18: Time extended 60 days from routine inspection conducted on 2/23/25. **Time Extended**
53B-01-5
64
Feb 13, 2025
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 6 major violations.
View 10 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
19
Oct 9, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Reach-in cooler at 3:05pm butter (50F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (48F - Cold Holding); sliced tomatoes (50F - Cold Holding); cut lettuce (52F - Cold Holding); sour cream (44F - Cold Holding); raw beef (45F - Cold Holding) Operator placed items in reach-in freezer. Re temp at 3:45pm a. Butter 42f b. Cooked chicken 41f c. Sliced tomatoes 43f d. Cut lettuce 43f e. Sour cream 37f f. Raw shrimp 40f g. Raw beef 36f **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. On steam table at 3:10pm a. Black beans 127f Operator turned steam table temp up. Re temp at 3:40p, a. Black beans 176f **Corrected On-Site**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Hose connected to faucet on side of bldg without vacuum breaker.
29-34-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink located near walk-in cooler has food stored inside bowl. Discussed with operator the purpose of hand wash sink. Operator removed food, cleaned and sanitized hand wash sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Operator closed lid. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
33-16-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on oven door handle between uses. Operator removed tongs. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-20-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. 5 gallons of cooking oil stored on floor in dry-storage room. Operator placed oil on shelf. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone on top of cutting board on cook line. Employee removed phone, operator cleaned and sanitized cutting board. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Ceiling tiles near soda machine in kitchen damaged. **Repeat Violation**
36-32-5
Basic - All cutting boards in kitchen has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Seasoning stored on shelf above prep table in kitchen removed from original packaging not labeled by common name. Operator labeled seasoning. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler located on cook line. **Repeat Violation**
29-49-6
39
Aug 9, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-09: **Time Extended**
16-37-1
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Light not functioning. Light above reach-in coolers on cook line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-09: **Time Extended**
36-62-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Reach-in freezer in kitchen in front of reach-in coolers. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-09: **Time Extended**
14-69-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. Wall next to flat top grill and behind flat top grill. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-09: **Time Extended**
36-68-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. All cutting boards on kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-09: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Ceiling tiles in kitchen has water-like damage. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-09: **Time Extended**
36-32-5
70
Aug 8, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 17 minor violations.
View 24 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Reach-in cooler at 2:31pm sliced tomatoes (66F - Cold Holding); cut lettuce (57F - Cold Holding); diced tomatoes (63F - Cold Holding); cut pork (60F - Cold Holding) raw chicken (69F - Cold Holding); cooked beef (61F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (61F - Cold Holding); shredded mozzarella (56F - Cold Holding); sliced beef (51F - Cold Holding) Walk-in cooler at 2:45pm milk (45F - Cold Holding); eggplant (45F - Cold Holding); beans (45F - Cold Holding); butter (46F - Cold Holding) cheese sauce (45F - Cold Holding); flan (43F - Cold Holding) Operator placed items in reach-in freezer. Re temp at 3:30pm Slice tomatoes 51f Cut lettuce 51f Diced tomatoes 37f cut pork 53f Cooked chicken 52f cooked beef 53f Raw chicken 55f shredded mozzarella 53f sliced beef 53f Walk-in cooler at 3:35pm milk 44f eggplant 44f beans 45f butter 45 Queso cheese 45f flan 43f Operator placed ice on items in walk-in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 30 rodent droppings in room next to dry-storage. 33 rodent droppings on floor in bar area. **Warning**
35A-04-4
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 live roach in dry-storage room. 1 live roach on wall in dry-storage. **Warning**
35A-05-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. **Warning**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at hand wash sink next to soda machine in kitchen. **Warning**
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. No proof for recently hired employees. Emailed operator employee health agreement. **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Hand wash station located near walk-in cooler. **Warning**
31B-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Warning**
33-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach-in coolers on cook line. **Warning**
22-16-4
Basic - Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. Soiled dry wiping cloth stored on top of cutting board of reach-in cooler in kitchen. **Warning**
21-10-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Reach-in coolers on cook line. **Warning**
29-49-6
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Cooking oil in spray bottles in kitchen not labeled. Two containers of spices above reach-in cooler not labeled. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02D-01-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl used as scoop in beans in walk-in cooler and in flour on bottom shelf of prep table. **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Ceiling tiles in kitchen has water-like damage. **Warning**
36-32-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Establishment is displaying expired license. 02/01/2023. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
50-09-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. All cutting boards on kitchen. **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. 1 dead roach underneath table in dry-storage room. 1 dead roach on baseboard wall in kitchen. **Warning**
35A-03-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. 5 gallons of cooking oil stored on floor near flat top grill. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. Wall next to flat top grill and behind flat top grill. **Warning**
36-68-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Reach-in freezer in kitchen in front of reach-in coolers. **Warning**
14-69-4
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Ice scoop stored on top of soiled ice machine in kitchen. **Warning**
10-12-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs stored on oven door handle. **Warning**
10-20-4
Basic - Light not functioning. Light above reach-in coolers on cook line. **Warning**
36-62-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Top of ice machine in kitchen. Gaskets on reach-in coolers on cook line. **Warning**
23-03-4
18
Mar 10, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. chicken (48F - Cold Holding); beef (46F - Cold Holding) had operator add ice bags to food items. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Certified Food Manager or person in charge failed to verify employee health, exclusions or restrictions. Discussed with operator and sent big six packet. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-02-5
High Priority - Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Educated operator and employee on proper hand washing procedures accompanied by glove change. Employee washed hands and changed gloves. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Microwave in kitchen shows excessive accumulation of debris.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
53B-13-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Chicken in a bag, in a pan , on the floor in rear prep area. Employee placed on prep table. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License displayed at time of inspection shows expiration date of 2-1-2023.
50-09-4
47
Nov 28, 2022
Food-Licensing Inspection
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items. Sent big six information package to operator. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-07-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. The slicer in rear of establishment shows accumulation of debris underneath the slicer guard.
22-02-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hoods on main cook line in kitchen shows accumulation of debris and grease.
23-03-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall in kitchen in front of two door deli cooler shows accumulation of debris.
36-27-5
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Juquilita Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at La Juquilita Restaurant on file is from Feb 18, 2026. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at La Juquilita Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “time/temperature control for safety food cold held” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at La Juquilita Restaurant.
How does La Juquilita Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Clearwater?
La Juquilita Restaurant most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is higher than the Clearwater average of 79.
Has La Juquilita Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at La Juquilita Restaurant have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at La Juquilita Restaurant 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 La Juquilita Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, La Juquilita Restaurant is inspected around four times per year on average.
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