La Margarita
Last inspected: Feb 18, 2026
86
Score
The health department has logged 12 inspections at La Margarita, the earliest from 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Feb 18, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around seven violations to closer to three violations per visit.
Looking across the full record, “bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food” is the recurring theme, flagged three times.
The city-wide average is 84, putting La Margarita squarely in typical territory. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 18, 2026
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
86
Oct 7, 2025
Routine - Food
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
82
Jun 23, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken stored over raw beef and pork Raw beef stored over raw pork,all at reach in cooler at cooks line - From follow-up inspection 2025-06-23: **Time Extended**
08A-20-5
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/. Operator took over next door space and using as office and storage. Operator has to complete plan review application and email with plans and menu to: dhr.planreview@myfloridalicense.com **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-06-23: Per operator he is still finishing the plans and has not submitted to plan review as of yet **Admin Complaint**
51-16-7
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Unisex bathroom - From follow-up inspection 2025-06-23: **Time Extended**
32-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Cakes in glass reach in fridge by entrance door **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2025-06-23: **Time Extended**
02D-03-4
70
Jun 4, 2025
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken over raw pork at lo boy reach in cooler on cooks line Raw beef stored over raw fish at lo boy reach in cooler at cooks line
08A-20-5
Intermediate - Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Hand washing sink at cooks line. Operator put paper towel roll at sink **Corrected On-Site**
31B-05-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Black beans,oxtails and magu per operator made over 24 hours
02C-02-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl used in container with red beans
14-01-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gasket on reach in warmer on cooks line
14-11-5
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Scoop handle in direct contact with flour at container in dry storage **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Desserts at glass reach in cooler in dining area
02D-03-4
50
Apr 16, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
50-17-3
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken stored over raw beef and pork Raw beef stored over raw pork,all at reach in cooler at cooks line
08A-20-5
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/. Operator took over next door space and using as office and storage. Operator has to complete plan review application and email with plans and menu to: dhr.planreview@myfloridalicense.com **Warning**
51-16-7
Intermediate - Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Paper towel dispenser at hand wash sink by triple sink does not dispense enough paper towel to dry hands Paper towel dispenser at cooks line is not consistent in dispensing paper towel
31B-05-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Sanitizer in clear spray bottle at front counter
41-17-4
Basic - Single-service articles stored below soap or paper towel dispenser exposing the items to drips from people's hands. To go brown bags stored under paper towel dispenser at front counter **Corrected On-Site**
25-23-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Sugar in clear container with no label **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Unisex bathroom
32-04-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowls used for scoops in black beans and salt **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Cakes in glass reach in fridge by entrance door **Repeat Violation**
02D-03-4
43
Sep 16, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Ham,cheese,and bacon temping between 48F-53F. Per operator it was in reach in cooler overnight.
03A-02-5
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken stored over raw beef at low boy reach in cooler at cooks line
08A-20-5
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Potato salad date marked 9/8 at reach in cooler at front counter
01B-24-5
Basic - Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Desserts at glass fridge for grab and go. Observed customer grab item and pay for dessert: Identity and description of product (e.g., kale juice) Date product was packaged Name and address of establishment which prepared and packaged product
02D-03-4
61
Mar 12, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Potato salad and pasta salad at front line temping at 46F.Per operator made and put on line less than two hours.Advised operator to put in reach in cooler
03A-02-5
Basic - Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Desserts at glass fridge next to entrance door that are grab and go's per operator
02D-03-4
Basic - Single-service articles stored next to handwash/food preparation sink exposed to splash. Wrapped single use utensils stored under paper towel dispenser next to hand washing sink at front counter **Corrected On-Site**
25-22-4
78
Sep 13, 2023
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Grease on hood fan - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-13: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
95
Jul 14, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 6 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Spray hose at mop sink lower than flood rim of sink. **Corrected On-Site**
29-37-4
Intermediate - Identity of food or food product misrepresented. Menu claims red snapper. Actually it is lane snapper **Admin Complaint**
52-01-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Front sink **Corrected On-Site**
31B-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/ Manager showed up during inspection **Corrected On-Site**
53A-05-6
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. Operator has new books and will train employees **Warning**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. By hws front kitchen **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
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 and oat milk. Front reach in cooler **Corrected On-Site**
02C-03-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Container used to scoop red and black beans **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. Tilapia educated operator **Corrected On-Site**
06-09-1
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not rinsed between washing and sanitizing. Educated operator and dishwasher on proper setup **Corrected On-Site**
16-16-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Reach in freezer
14-69-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Scoop handle in sugar and flour
10-01-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Grease on hood fan
23-03-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Sugar and flour **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
32
Mar 9, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Displayed food not properly protected from contamination. Sneeze guard is in place but ceiling is open/industrial look.
08B-02-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. No stop sale issued as product is about 2 hours holding. cold holding, seafood salad 59f, potato salad 57f, sliced tomatoes 56f, Mac salad 57f, corn, guacamole 56f.
03A-02-5
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.
11-27-4
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/ 5 employees working at this time.
53A-05-6
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 where employees have access to their training.
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.
11-26-1
Intermediate - Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. **Corrected On-Site**
02B-02-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Exhaust fan in restroom.
36-34-5
43
Jan 31, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Aug 8, 2022
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-06-08: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-08: **Time Extended**
24-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler front of cooking equipment. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-06-08: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-08: **Time Extended**
29-49-6
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Margarita last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at La Margarita on file is from Feb 18, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at La Margarita?
Across the inspection record, “bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at La Margarita.
How does La Margarita compare to other restaurants in St. Cloud?
La Margarita most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is about the same as the St. Cloud average of 84.
Has La Margarita's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at La Margarita have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at La Margarita 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 Margarita inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, La Margarita is inspected around three times per year on average.
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