Señor Jose's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
Last inspected: Mar 11, 2026
41
Score
Señor Jose's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina appears in inspection records 12 times, starting in 2023. The most recent visit was on Mar 11, 2026. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around 11 violations compared to roughly 13 violations earlier on.
“Stored food not covered” comes up most often, recorded four times in the inspection record.
Restaurants in Port St. Lucie average 81, so Señor Jose's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina trails the local norm. This restaurant has more on its record than most do.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
3
Major latest
9
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 11, 2026
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
41
Oct 22, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
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
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
41
Aug 7, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
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
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
22
Mar 25, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. L.G expired 3/24. - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-25: **Time Extended**
53B-14-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. 1 at bar. - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-25: **Time Extended**
51-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Next to exit door in back of kitchen - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-25: **Time Extended**
36-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Exit door in back of kitchen. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-25: **Time Extended**
35B-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Cracked tile throughout kitchen area. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-25: **Time Extended**
36-17-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-25: **Time Extended**
14-69-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Light not functioning. 1 light bulb under hood. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-25: **Time Extended**
36-62-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Emailed. - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-25: **Time Extended**
51-13-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Ice machine not in use. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-25: **Time Extended**
33-31-5
61
Mar 24, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 14 minor violations.
View 19 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. cooked pork 52F cold holding, raw beef 52F cold holding, raw shrimp 53F cold holding, raw chicken 43-47F cold holding. **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. cooked pork 52F cold holding, raw beef 52F cold holding, raw shrimp 53F cold holding, raw chicken 43-47F cold holding.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shell eggs over radishes, herbs, and ready to eat sauces. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Chicken noodle soup and beef soup and cooked yellow rice and cooked beef. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. L.G expired 3/24.
53B-14-5
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. 1 at bar.
51-11-4
Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Grill coolers. Ambient temperature reads 36-38F.
14-74-7
Basic - Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Next to exit door in back of kitchen
36-03-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Exit door in back of kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Cracked tile throughout kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
36-17-5
Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Sitting on prep table. Employee removed. **Corrected On-Site**
35B-02-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
22-08-4
Basic - Light not functioning. 1 light bulb under hood. **Repeat Violation**
36-62-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Emailed.
51-13-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Water bottle in standing reach in cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-13-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Raw beef, cooked yellow rice, and ready to eat sauces in walk in cooler.
08B-12-5
Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Ice machine not in use. **Repeat Violation**
33-31-5
26
Oct 29, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Soda nozzle. Manager cleaned. **Corrected On-Site**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
16-37-1
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Under grill station.
36-17-5
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Tile missing and part of wall near walk in freezer.
36-24-5
Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
14-69-4
Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Ice machine found in kitchen.
33-31-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bulk sugar not labeled. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
Basic - 1 Light not functioning. Under hood system.
36-62-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back door next to walk in freezer. **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Under grill station. **Corrected On-Site**
36-22-4
55
Apr 29, 2024
Routine - Food
4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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/ - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-29: No certified food service manager. **Admin Complaint**
53A-05-6
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Sink at cooks line. - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-29: **Time Extended**
31B-02-4
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. Four staff at time and no employee training. Marcos, Fellipe,Kenyon, and Alice. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-29: No proof of training. **Admin Complaint**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-29: **Time Extended**
11-26-1
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Door has gap at side and bottom. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-29: **Time Extended**
35B-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor drain on cooks line soiled with broken tile. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-29: Tile are still broken. **Time Extended**
36-73-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Second Chefs knife stored in between equipment. - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-29: Still have knife in area. **Time Extended**
10-17-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees.Sink at cooks line. - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-29: **Time Extended**
31B-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Bottom shelf of prep station soiled with food debris. Gaskets on coolers at cooks line. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-29: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Stored food not covered. Multiple food items in walk in cooler not covered. Two small pans of beef in walk-in freezer. Multiple containers of food items in tall reach in cooler in prep station. - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-29: **Time Extended**
08B-12-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Door handles on both cooler on cooks line. Door handle and bottom front of tall reach in cooler in prep area. - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-29: **Time Extended**
23-24-4
47
Feb 27, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 7 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 20 violations
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Cooks change gloves after task but not wash hands.
12A-07-5
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Sink at cooks line.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. White cutting board has food debris stuck to the surface.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Sink at front cashier station, used for trash.
31A-11-4
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 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. Four staff at time and no employee training. Marcos, Fellipe,Kenyon, and Alice. **Warning**
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 - No soap provided at handwash sink. Sink at cooks line
31B-03-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Door handles on both cooler on cooks line. Door handle and bottom front of tall reach in cooler in prep area.
23-24-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Drink prep table **Repeat Violation**
12B-07-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Door has gap at side and bottom. **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
Basic - Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Inside of walk in cooler.
36-01-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor drain on cooks line soiled with broken tile. **Repeat Violation**
36-73-4
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Second Chefs knife stored in between equipment.
10-17-4
Basic - In-use utensil not stored on a clean portion of food preparation or cooking equipment. Dirty chef knife stored in cold food items.
10-02-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave has heavy buildup of food.
22-08-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees.Sink at cooks line.
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Bottom shelf of prep station soiled with food debris. Gaskets on coolers at cooks line. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Multiple food items in walk in cooler not covered. Two small pans of beef in walk-in freezer. Multiple containers of food items in tall reach in cooler in prep station.
08B-12-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Not stored, left out on cutting boards
21-09-4
23
Nov 13, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 18 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. To go bags used in direct contact with raw beef in walk in freezer. **Corrected On-Site**
14-31-5
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Beef in reach in cooler date marked Nov. 5, and cooked beef in walk in dated October 31. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-01-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef and raw pork stored over flan. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Ceviche is served with raw shrimp. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02B-01-5
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at hand wash sink on cook line **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Several items in walk in cooler not date marked when prepared.
02C-02-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. 3 sets of tongs hanging on handle of equipment on cook line. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floor tiles missing under grill area. **Repeat Violation**
36-17-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor drain on cook line is heavily soiled with old food debris.
36-73-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Standing water under grill where tiles are missing. Standing water in walk in cooler.
36-22-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back door has large gap on left bottom corner.
35B-01-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Open Pepsi can on flat top grill. Chef discarded.
12B-07-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Co2 tank behind bar not secured
51-11-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Sugar not labeled. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
Basic - Stored food not covered. Several items in walk in cooler not covered.
08B-12-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on drawer under cook line heavily soiled, and gaskets on reach in cooler on cook line soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine on right side has some mold like substance build up. **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No Handwash sign at sink on cook line.
31B-04-4
26
Aug 17, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
64
Jun 13, 2023
Routine - Food
6 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 13 violations
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 - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand wash sink had plastic cups stored in it at bar area.
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink.
31B-02-4
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. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
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 - Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. No hot water at employee hand wash sink front counter area.
27-16-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Walk in cooler
36-73-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. In kitchen by hand wash sink and by stove.
36-17-5
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Soda bibs stored on floor.
08B-47-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Styrofoam cups stored on floor.
25-05-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine inside is soiled with food debris.
22-20-5
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. In rear kitchen and in dining room
36-36-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee food on prep table. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
39
Apr 12, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. - From follow-up inspection 2023-04-12: **Time Extended**
14-15-4
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. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-04-12: **Admin Complaint**
53B-01-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. - From follow-up inspection 2023-04-12: **Time Extended**
12B-07-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood vent soiled, equipment doors soiled - From follow-up inspection 2023-04-12: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. - From follow-up inspection 2023-04-12: **Time Extended**
21-12-4
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Señor Jose's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Señor Jose's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina on file is from Mar 11, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Señor Jose's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina?
Across the inspection record, “stored food not covered” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Señor Jose's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina.
How does Señor Jose's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina compare to other restaurants in Port St. Lucie?
Señor Jose's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina most recently scored 41 out of 100, which is lower than the Port St. Lucie average of 81.
Has Señor Jose's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Señor Jose's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina have averaged around 11 violations per visit, down from roughly 13 earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Señor Jose's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina 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 Señor Jose's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Señor Jose's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina is inspected around four times per year on average.
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