Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken
Last inspected: Mar 16, 2026
100
Score
The health department has logged 13 inspections at Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken, the earliest from 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Mar 16, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around three violations across recent inspections versus roughly 13 violations before.
“Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster” comes up most often, recorded five times in the inspection record.
Among Sanford restaurants, the typical score is 77; Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken is comfortably above that bar. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 16, 2026
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Mar 4, 2026
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
47
Oct 22, 2025
Routine - Food
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-22: **Time Extended**
16-21-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-22: -operator ordered new hood filter **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
14-42-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-22: **Time Extended**
14-69-4
86
Oct 14, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used
FL-32
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
45
Jun 26, 2025
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 12 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found -1 in front counter area -1 near back door area **Repeat Violation**
35A-02-7
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -Pepsi soda nozzle in drive thru area soiled
22-02-4
Basic - Bathroom facility not clean. -mirror in right side unisex bathroom soiled
32-07-5
Basic - Building components, attachments or fixtures in poor repair. -large gap in calking on handwash sink in right side unisex bathroom
36-51-4
Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. **Repeat Violation**
13-04-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. -walk-in cooler door, operator states repairs are scheduled **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
35B-01-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. -accumulation of grease and food debris in grout lines and broken tiles in fryer area
36-73-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. -fry area
36-17-5
Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. **Repeat Violation**
33-19-4
Basic - Grease on the ground and/or pad around grease receptacle. **Repeat Violation**
33-20-4
Basic - In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. -scoop in mashed potatoes, operator removed **Corrected On-Site**
10-06-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -shelf and inside cabinet underneath soda dispenser has an accumulation of debris
23-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lids. **Repeat Violation**
33-16-4
43
May 6, 2025
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 13 minor violations.
View 17 violations
High Priority - Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink, operator relocated **Corrected On-Site**
29-37-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb over mop sink. **Repeat Violation**
29-34-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found -2 live, small flying insects found in rear prep kitchen
35A-02-7
Intermediate - Ambient air thermometer in holding unit not accurate within plus or minus 3 degrees Fahrenheit. -hot holding cabinets
05-05-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Repeat Violation**
16-21-4
Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. **Repeat Violation**
13-04-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. -walk-in cooler door and frame has significant damage, operator states repairs have been scheduled **Corrective Action Taken**
14-11-5
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. -walk-in cooler **Repeat Violation**
36-22-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. -throughout kitchen **Repeat Violation**
36-17-5
Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.
33-19-4
Basic - Grease on the ground and/or pad around grease receptacle.
33-20-4
Basic - Light shield damaged/in disrepair. -walk-in freezer
38-01-4
Basic - No waste receptacle installed at handwash sink provided with disposable towels. -both handwash sinks in kitchen
33-38-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -exterior of hot holding cabinets on cooking side **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid.
33-16-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. -rear kitchen door propped open, 2 live, small flying insect in rear prep area, operator closed door **Corrected On-Site**
35B-05-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. -"Magnesol" fryer powder stored uncovered.
08B-12-5
30
May 2, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. -fried chicken 127F and fried chicken tenders 123F stored in middle hot holding cabinet, operator turned up heat on hot holding cabinet to rapidly reheat **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb above mop sink.
29-34-4
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. -employee packaging food failed to wash hands multiple times prior to putting on gloves
12A-07-5
Intermediate - Ambient air thermometer in holding unit not accurate within plus or minus 3 degrees Fahrenheit. -all 3 hot holding cabinets
05-05-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. -handwash sink near fryers used to store basket, employee removed **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation.
13-04-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. -walk-in cooler
36-22-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. -floor underneath fryers **Repeat Violation**
36-73-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. -throughout kitchen **Repeat Violation**
36-17-5
Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system.
14-42-4
Basic - In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. -coleslaw and potato salad in front service area
10-06-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -exterior of double door oven -hood filters over cooking equipment have an accumulation of grease and food debris -exterior of flour containers -walk-in cooler fan covers have an accumulation of dust/debris.
23-03-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Corrected On-Site**
42-01-4
33
Nov 22, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Insects, Rodents, and Animals Not Present
FL-38
50
Apr 4, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
61
Nov 20, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Ice dumped in drive thru hand sink.
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No chlorine chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
05-08-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall.,behind ice machine ,
36-24-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
67
Jul 11, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. -license expired 4/1/2023 **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
High Priority - Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink. **Corrected On-Site**
29-37-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. -hose bib next to handwashing sink -hose bib over mop sink
29-34-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. -handwash sink in prep area **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. -handwash sinks in rear prep area **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -can opener blade near dish area
22-02-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. -pans over sink
24-08-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. -door and wall of walk in cooler -walk in freezer fan guard missing
14-11-5
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. -underneath prep table
36-22-4
Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster and grease receptacle.
33-19-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. -paint peeling above three comp sink
36-24-5
Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system.
14-42-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.
14-69-4
Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. -lights in dry storage area over dry goods
38-07-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. -provided Choking First Aide Procedures poster and posted by operator **Corrected On-Site**
51-13-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
29
Jan 27, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink.
29-37-4
High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Chlorine 200+ppm. Corrected to 50ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
41-27-4
Intermediate - Food service manager not certified within 30 days of employment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/. Mellissa Willams.
53A-04-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener soiled.
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/
53A-05-6
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 - 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. **Corrected On-Site**
11-27-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation.
13-04-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
13-03-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Kitchen.
36-17-5
Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.
33-19-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Dish washer racks soiled. Dry storage shelves soiled with rust and food debris.
23-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid.
33-16-4
32
Jul 15, 2022
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 7 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 19 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Bibb outside of rear kitchen door.
29-34-4
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. YOUR LICENSE WITH THE DIVISION OF HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS EXPIRED ON 04/01/2022. **Admin Complaint**
50-17-2
High Priority - Spray hose at dish sink lower than flood rim of sink. **Corrected On-Site**
29-37-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Walk in cooler butter cups (45F - Cold Holding). Advised manager to monitor temperature.
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Rising off thermometer. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Chlorine test strips needed for dish machine.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Prep area. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Restroom.
31B-03-4
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
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Cleaner.
41-17-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade soiled.
22-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Rear kitchen door.
35B-01-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Storeroom and kitchen.
36-73-4
Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.
33-19-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. **Corrected On-Site**
10-08-5
Basic - In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Cole slaw. **Corrected On-Site**
10-06-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Dishwasher racks soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid.
33-16-4
18
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken on file is from Mar 16, 2026. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken?
Across the inspection record, “garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken.
How does Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken compare to other restaurants in Sanford?
Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Sanford average of 77.
Has Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly 13 earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken 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 Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken is inspected around four times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants