Mermaid's Seafood and Oyster Bar
Last inspected: Apr 8, 2026
33
Score
Public records show 14 inspections at Mermaid's Seafood and Oyster Bar stretching back to 2023. The newest entry in the record is dated Apr 8, 2026. Diners may want to take note: high risk reflects issues that a health inspector considered important.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around eight violations per visit versus roughly two violations earlier in the record.
“No paper towels” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing three times across the record.
The city-wide average sits at 92, which Mermaid's Seafood and Oyster Bar's 33 doesn't quite reach. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.
14
Inspections
3
Critical latest
5
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 8, 2026
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 5 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food originating from an unapproved source. Operator unable to verify source of shellstock. See stop sale. Observed a bag of oysters inside the walk in cooler without a tag and quarter of a bag oyster on the front line without a tag.
01B-04-5
High Priority - Operator unable to verify source of shellstock. See stop sale. Observed a bag of oysters inside the walk in cooler without a tag and quarter of a bag oyster on the front line.
01A-09-4
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Violation has already been addressed on the previous inspection.
50-17-3
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed the hot water valve shut off.
27-16-4
Intermediate - Certified Food Manager or person in charge failed to notify the division of employee diagnosed with Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Shigella spp., Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, Typhoid fever (caused by Salmonella Typhi) or Salmonella (nontyphoidal).
11-01-5
Intermediate - Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served.
01C-03-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on the reach in cooler.
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 - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. By the dish machine. **Repeat Violation**
31B-04-4
Basic - Water leaking from faucet/handle that three compartment sink.
29-11-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
13-03-4
33
Mar 10, 2026
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a soap bottle setting on top of the reach in cooler on the cook line.
41-10-4
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
Intermediate - Establishment not maintaining clam/mussel/oyster tags for 90 days.
01C-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at both hand wash sinks in the kitchen area. Observed no paper towels at the hand sink by the three compartment sink.
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. Left a copy. **Corrected On-Site**
11-26-1
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 - Water leaking from faucet/handle, three compartment sink.
29-11-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry,on the floor by the three compartment sink.
42-01-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid.
33-16-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees, by the three compartment sink.
31B-04-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of rust in the bar area.
22-08-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the opens to the outside.
35B-01-4
37
Jun 17, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
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/. Plans show hand wash sink in same room as dish pit. Observed dish pit in new room that is not on plans. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-09: Observed no plan review submitted. Operator states trying to find someone to draw plans. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-08: Observed no plan review submitted. Operator states she has plans drawn and will submit plan review via DBPR website by next Friday. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-10: Observed plan review submitted 12/04/2024 pending approval. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-13: Observed plan review deficiency letter dated January 10, 2025 and discussed with Owner/Operator. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-18: Observed second deficiency letter dated January 24, 2025, called plan review, and discussed information with Owner/Operator. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-10: Observed deficiency email dated March 21, 2025, called plan review, and discussed information with Owner/Operator. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-12: Plan review is reviewing re-submitted plans. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-06-17: Contacted plan review in Tallahassee spoke with Brady, Plans have not been approved as of yet they are in process. **Time Extended**
51-16-7
90
May 12, 2025
Routine - Food
4 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at handwash sink in kitchen. Manager restocked paper towels at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
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/. This violation is being addressed on a previous inspection dated August 7, 2024.
51-16-7
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at handwash sink in kitchen. Manager restocked soap at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed 1 unlabeled spray bottle containing blue substance. Manager labeled spray bottle as glass cleaner. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed wire shelving in walk-in cooler with rust. Owner advises she will be painting shelves.
14-17-4
64
Apr 10, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
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/. Plans show hand wash sink in same room as dish pit. Observed dish pit in new room that is not on plans. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-09: Observed no plan review submitted. Operator states trying to find someone to draw plans. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-08: Observed no plan review submitted. Operator states she has plans drawn and will submit plan review via DBPR website by next Friday. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-10: Observed plan review submitted 12/04/2024 pending approval. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-13: Observed plan review deficiency letter dated January 10, 2025 and discussed with Owner/Operator. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-18: Observed second deficiency letter dated January 24, 2025, called plan review, and discussed information with Owner/Operator. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-10: Observed deficiency email dated March 21, 2025, called plan review, and discussed information with Owner/Operator. **Time Extended**
51-16-7
90
Feb 18, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
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/. Plans show hand wash sink in same room as dish pit. Observed dish pit in new room that is not on plans. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-09: Observed no plan review submitted. Operator states trying to find someone to draw plans. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-08: Observed no plan review submitted. Operator states she has plans drawn and will submit plan review via DBPR website by next Friday. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-10: Observed plan review submitted 12/04/2024 pending approval. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-13: Observed plan review deficiency letter dated January 10, 2025 and discussed with Owner/Operator. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-18: Observed second deficiency letter dated January 24, 2025, called plan review, and discussed information with Owner/Operator. **Time Extended**
51-16-7
90
Jan 13, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
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/. Plans show hand wash sink in same room as dish pit. Observed dish pit in new room that is not on plans. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-09: Observed no plan review submitted. Operator states trying to find someone to draw plans. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-08: Observed no plan review submitted. Operator states she has plans drawn and will submit plan review via DBPR website by next Friday. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-10: Observed plan review submitted 12/04/2024 pending approval. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-13: Observed plan review deficiency letter dated January 10, 2025 and discussed with Owner/Operator. **Time Extended**
51-16-7
90
Dec 10, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
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/. Plans show hand wash sink in same room as dish pit. Observed dish pit in new room that is not on plans. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-09: Observed no plan review submitted. Operator states trying to find someone to draw plans. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-08: Observed no plan review submitted. Operator states she has plans drawn and will submit plan review via DBPR website by next Friday. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-10: Observed plan review submitted 12/04/2024 pending approval. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
51-16-7
90
Nov 8, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
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/. Plans show hand wash sink in same room as dish pit. Observed dish pit in new room that is not on plans. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-09: Observed no plan review submitted. Operator states trying to find someone to draw plans. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-08: Observed no plan review submitted. Operator states she has plans drawn and will submit plan review via DBPR website by next Friday. **Time Extended**
51-16-7
90
Oct 9, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
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/. Plans show hand wash sink in same room as dish pit. Observed dish pit in new room that is not on plans. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-09: Observed no plan review submitted. Operator states trying to find someone to draw plans. **Time Extended**
51-16-7
90
Aug 7, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Jan 26, 2024
Routine - Food
5 major violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served.
01C-03-4
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Owner stated she would email a copy of certificate when she returned home. **Warning**
53A-01-7
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand sink in kitchen area.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no hand soap at sink in kitchen area.
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Clam/mussel/oyster tags not maintained in chronological order according to the last date they were served in the establishment.
01C-05-4
61
Jun 21, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
61
Jan 18, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 6 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
52
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mermaid's Seafood and Oyster Bar last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Mermaid's Seafood and Oyster Bar on file is from Apr 8, 2026. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Mermaid's Seafood and Oyster Bar?
Across the inspection record, “no paper towels” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Mermaid's Seafood and Oyster Bar.
How does Mermaid's Seafood and Oyster Bar compare to other restaurants in Cottondale?
Mermaid's Seafood and Oyster Bar most recently scored 33 out of 100, which is lower than the Cottondale average of 92.
Has Mermaid's Seafood and Oyster Bar's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Mermaid's Seafood and Oyster Bar have averaged around eight violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Mermaid's Seafood and Oyster Bar means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Mermaid's Seafood and Oyster Bar inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Mermaid's Seafood and Oyster Bar is inspected around four times per year on average.
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