Mel's Family Diner
Last inspected: Jan 20, 2026
61
Score
Mel's Family Diner has been inspected 18 times since 2022. Mel's Family Diner was last inspected on Jan 20, 2026. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near nine violations per visit.
Mel's Family Diner's latest score of 61 falls below the Sanford average of 77. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
18
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 20, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb near back door. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-16: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-17: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-20: **Time Extended**
29-34-4
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/. - establishment added ice cream station no plan review. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-16: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-17: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-20: **Admin Complaint**
51-16-7
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. - cutting board at small cooler stained and grooved. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-16: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-17: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-20: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. - hole in freezer door **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-16: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-17: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-20: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. - area near back door - walk in cooler floors **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-16: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-17: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-20: **Time Extended**
36-12-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-16: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-17: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-20: **Time Extended**
14-69-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. - at cookline **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-16: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-17: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-20: **Time Extended**
29-49-6
61
Dec 17, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb near back door. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-16: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-17: **Time Extended**
29-34-4
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/. - establishment added ice cream station no plan review. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-16: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-17: **Time Extended**
51-16-7
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. - cutting board at small cooler stained and grooved. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-16: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-17: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. - hole in freezer door **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-16: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-17: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. - area near back door - walk in cooler floors **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-16: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-17: **Time Extended**
36-12-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-16: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-17: **Time Extended**
14-69-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. - at cookline **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-16: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-17: **Time Extended**
29-49-6
61
Dec 16, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb near back door. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-16: **Time Extended**
29-34-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - New ice cream station added no handle wash sink installed **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: Hand wash sink was ordered. Verified via operator's email that sink will be delivered on Thursday. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-16: **Time Extended**
31A-04-4
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/. - establishment added ice cream station no plan review. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-16: **Time Extended**
51-16-7
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. - hand wash sink near back door **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-16: **Time Extended**
31B-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. - cutting board at small cooler stained and grooved. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-16: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. - hole in freezer door **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-16: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. - area near back door - walk in cooler floors **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-16: **Time Extended**
36-12-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-16: **Time Extended**
14-69-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. - women's restroom **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-16: **Time Extended**
31B-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. - at cookline **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-16: **Time Extended**
29-49-6
47
Dec 2, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb near back door. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended**
29-34-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - New ice cream station added no handle wash sink installed **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: Hand wash sink was ordered. Verified via operator's email that sink will be delivered on Thursday. **Time Extended**
31A-04-4
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/. - establishment added ice cream station no plan review. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended**
51-16-7
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. - hand wash sink near back door **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended**
31B-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. - cutting board at small cooler stained and grooved. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. - hole in freezer door **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. - area near back door - walk in cooler floors **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended**
36-12-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice bucket stored on floor between uses. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended**
10-14-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended**
14-69-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. - women's restroom **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended**
31B-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended**
29-27-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. - at cookline **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended**
29-49-6
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. - at dish station **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended**
36-27-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-02: **Time Extended**
42-01-4
39
Nov 18, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
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
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
29
Sep 17, 2025
Complaint Partial
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 6 on floor below storage rack in back storage room 2 on floor near hot water tank 2 on dishmachine 7 on floor below prep tables 3 on metal pan at prep station 2 on lower shelf at prep station __ Total 22 rodent droppings **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-17: 1 on bag of potato 1 on counter storing dough mixer 2 on shelf below prep table 1 on shelf storing meat slicer 1 inside empty sanitizer bucket **Admin Complaint**
35A-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. - at dish station - behind ice bin **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-17: **Time Extended**
36-73-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. - above storage rack in back room. - at base of wall in water heater room. - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-17: **Time Extended**
36-24-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment. - plumbing disconnected **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-17: **Time Extended**
29-27-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. - back door and side door **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-17: **Time Extended**
35B-03-4
70
Sep 16, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-16: **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. - operator unable to locate **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-16: **Time Extended**
03F-10-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. - cutting board at cook line **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-16: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. - hole in door of walk in freezer where previous door handle removed. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-16: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. - side door **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-16: **Time Extended**
35B-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. - dish station **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-16: **Time Extended**
36-73-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment. - mop sink plumbing disconnected **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-16: **Admin Complaint**
29-27-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. - side door **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-16: **Time Extended**
35B-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. - in back storage room **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-16: **Time Extended**
36-02-5
52
Jul 17, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
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
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
35
Apr 10, 2025
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. - cutting board at batter cooler **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-10: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. - at hand wash sink next to walk in **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-10: **Time Extended**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. - at hand wash sink next to walk in **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-10: **Time Extended**
31B-05-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-10: **Time Extended**
22-20-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. - walk in cooler one fan not working. Ice buildup. Gasket torn. Damage/hole at latch **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-10: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. - below dish machine **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-10: **Time Extended**
36-73-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. - walk in floors soiled and not easily cleanable **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-10: **Time Extended**
36-12-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored on floor. - bag in box syrup on floor **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-10: **Time Extended**
08B-38-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment. - mop sink plumbing disconnected. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-10: **Admin Complaint**
29-27-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. - side door and back door **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-10: **Time Extended**
35B-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. - milk cooler in dish station **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-10: **Time Extended**
22-16-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. - Togo boxes on floor next to ice machine. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-10: **Time Extended**
25-05-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. - at cook line **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-10: **Time Extended**
29-49-6
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. - in dry storage area **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-10: **Time Extended**
36-02-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. - at dish station **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-10: **Time Extended**
36-27-5
41
Feb 5, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
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
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
27
Sep 23, 2024
Routine - Food
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. - small amount soiled on baffle - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-24: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-23: **Time Extended**
22-20-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-24: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-23: **Time Extended**
16-21-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. - small cook line cooler - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-24: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-23: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. - walk in freezer gasket torn and door freezing up - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-24: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-23: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. - below fryers - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-24: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-23: **Time Extended**
36-73-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. - walk in cooler floor soiled and not easily cleanable - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-24: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-23: **Time Extended**
36-12-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. - service openings in ware wash room needs to be closed up. - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-24: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-23: **Time Extended**
36-24-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. - mop sink plumbing disconnected - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-24: - plumbing worked on, not complete. Person in charge states plumber coming back out today with part to finish job. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-23: Plumbing remains disconnected and has fallen onto ground **Admin Complaint**
29-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. - small cooler at cook line - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-24: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-23: **Time Extended**
29-49-6
64
Jul 24, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. - zero ppm. - manager setup a sanitizer dip tub. - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-24: Chlorine 0 ppm **Admin Complaint**
22-41-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. - tomato bisque (119f-129fF - Hot Holding); - gravy (119f-129fF - Hot Holding) Manager states less than 1 hour - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-24: - Tomato bisque 98f - gravy 95f Manager states just put on steam well less than 1 hour **Time Extended**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. - shell eggs - pancake batter Provided blank forms - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-24: **Time Extended**
03F-10-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. - small amount soiled on baffle - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-24: **Time Extended**
22-20-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-24: **Time Extended**
16-21-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. - small cook line cooler - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-24: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. - walk in freezer gasket torn and door freezing up - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-24: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. - below fryers - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-24: **Time Extended**
36-73-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. - walk in cooler floor soiled and not easily cleanable - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-24: **Time Extended**
36-12-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. - service openings in ware wash room needs to be closed up. - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-24: **Time Extended**
36-24-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. - mop sink plumbing disconnected - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-24: - plumbing worked on, not complete. Person in charge states plumber coming back out today with part to finish job. **Time Extended**
29-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. - small cooler at cook line - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-24: **Time Extended**
29-49-6
43
Jul 16, 2024
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 3 major violations. 15 minor violations.
View 24 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb. - threaded faucet at back of building
29-34-4
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. - zero ppm. - manager setup a sanitizer dip tub.
22-41-4
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. - server put on gloves to handle toast, no hand wash
12A-07-5
High Priority - Employee switched from working with raw food to ready-to-eat food without washing hands. - cook employee cracked raw shell eggs, then grabbed clean plates, no glove change, no hand wash
12A-12-4
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. - tomato bisque (119f-129fF - Hot Holding); - gravy (119f-129fF - Hot Holding) Manager states less than 1 hour
03B-01-6
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 written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. - shell eggs - pancake batter Provided blank forms
03F-10-5
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. - server on duty Jenna
53B-13-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. - small amount soiled on baffle
22-20-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. - small cook line cooler
14-09-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. - walk in freezer gasket torn and door freezing up
14-11-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. - below fryers
36-73-4
Basic - Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. - walk in cooler floor soiled and not easily cleanable
36-12-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. - service openings in ware wash room needs to be closed up.
36-24-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. - interior and exterior microwave
22-08-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
51-13-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. - exterior of walk in cooler - walk in cooler shelves - hood filters
23-03-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. - back door self closing device broken
35B-03-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. - mop sink plumbing disconnected
29-08-4
Basic - Soiled dry wiping cloth in use.
21-10-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. - small cooler at cook line
29-49-6
Basic - Storage of maintenance equipment/tools in areas that may result in cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens and/or single-service and single-use articles. - electrical equipment and parts stored on top of bag in box syrup
42-03-5
14
Nov 29, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. -At the back room the wall at the back door - at the dish area the wall is open under the electrical panel -several trim pieces missing from the project - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-29: **Time Extended**
36-24-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. At the back stock room - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-29: **Time Extended**
36-02-5
90
Nov 20, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Only one hand sink is available
31A-04-4
Basic - Bathroom facility in disrepair. Ladies room has no toilets currently under repair
32-05-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Dish ring floor
36-73-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. -At the back room the wall at the back door - at the dish area the wall is open under the electrical panel -several trim pieces missing from the project
36-24-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Walk in freezer
14-69-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Rest room
31B-04-4
Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. At the back stock room
36-02-5
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. At the dish washer the pressure valve leaking
29-11-4
64
Jul 13, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Bug spray over a prep table operator removed **Warning**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. **Warning**
53A-01-7
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/. Restaurant has had a change of ownership without plan review. A new set of plans will be needed as the operation has removed the breakfast counter , changed the dinning floor plan , ice machine removed **Warning**
51-16-7
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. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - Operator is doing a special process, conducting reduced oxygen packaging, cooking time/temperature control for safety food to a time and temperature combination lesser than those in the Food Code or operating a molluscan shellfish tank for human consumption without a HACCP plan approved by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. **Warning**
03G-50-1
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Door handle to the walk in freezer **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Warning**
35B-01-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Wait station **Warning**
36-17-5
Basic - Food stored in a location that is exposed to splash/dust. Rolled towel at the prep area is over the 2 compartment sink **Warning**
08B-36-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. In the walk in cooler **Warning**
36-24-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees.ladies room **Warning**
31B-04-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Hand sink at the cooks line Is not connected **Warning**
29-08-4
Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Old 3 compartment sink at the back of the building **Warning**
33-31-5
39
Feb 21, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. cut potatoes (50F - Cold Holding)
03A-02-5
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. At the front oven 2 hose bibs present the one on the left is missing a vacuum breaker and has a hose attached
29-34-4
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 - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.at the grill station
36-34-5
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. In the dish area
36-24-5
Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Back stock area at the walk in cooler
36-02-5
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. -in the walk in cooler -at the dish room
36-27-5
55
Sep 26, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
58
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mel's Family Diner last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Mel's Family Diner on file is from Jan 20, 2026. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.
How does Mel's Family Diner compare to other restaurants in Sanford?
Mel's Family Diner most recently scored 61 out of 100, which is lower than the Sanford average of 77.
Has Mel's Family Diner's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Mel's Family Diner have averaged around nine violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Mel's Family Diner means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Mel's Family Diner inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Mel's Family Diner is inspected around five times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants