Sonic Drive in
Last inspected: Jan 15, 2026
70
Score
The health department has logged 11 inspections at Sonic Drive in, the earliest from 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Jan 15, 2026. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near 10 violations per visit.
Looking across the full record, “time/temperature control for safety food cold held” is the recurring theme, flagged five times.
Sonic Drive in's latest score is in line with the Homestead average of 70. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 15, 2026
Routine - Food
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-15: Still observed. **Time Extended**
22-20-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed in standing units at cook line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-15: Still observed. **Time Extended**
23-24-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed mold like substance accumulated on vents throughout establishment. Also observed dust accumulated on standing fan at kitchen area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-15: Still observed. **Time Extended**
36-34-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed around ice machine, also on hallway by walk in cooler/freezer. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-15: **Time Extended**
36-22-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed grease accumulated on floor at cook line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-15: Still observed. **Time Extended**
36-73-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in all units at cook line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-15: Still observed. **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed in standing units at cook line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-15: Still observed. **Time Extended**
22-16-4
70
Jan 14, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 9 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed sliced tomatoes (51F - Cold Holding); cut lettuce (49F - Cold Holding) sliced American cheese (51F - Cold Holding) shredded cheese (49F - Cold Holding) in reach in cooler at sandwich assembly area, as per operator less than 4 hours. Operator moved food containers to walk in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed in standing units at cook line. **Warning**
23-24-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed mold like substance accumulated on vents throughout establishment. Also observed dust accumulated on standing fan at kitchen area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-34-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed personal drink on preparation table next to reach in cooler at cook line, operator removed during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee engaging in food preparation at cook line not wearing a hair restraint. **Warning**
13-03-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed around ice machine, also on hallway by walk in cooler/freezer. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-22-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed grease accumulated on floor at cook line. **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in all units at cook line. **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed in standing units at cook line. **Warning**
22-16-4
55
Sep 5, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed shredded cheese (48F - Cold Holding) next to steam table at cook line, as per operator over 4 hours. Operator discarded during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed shredded cheese (48F - Cold Holding) next to steam table at cook line, as per operator over 4 hours. Operator discarded during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed sponge inside hand wash sink across 3 compartment sink, operator removed during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed throughout establishment. **Repeat Violation**
36-34-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed personal key chain on coffee/tea station. Operator removed during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at the back door.
35B-01-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed by ice machine and hallway by walk in cooler/freezer. **Repeat Violation**
36-22-4
Basic - Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Observed under 3 compartment sink.
36-01-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed on reach in cooler across steam table.
29-49-6
47
Jan 31, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 9 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed cooked chili container dated on 01/25 on shelves at walk in cooler. Employee discarded chili during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-01-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cooked chili container dated on 01/25 on shelves at walk in cooler. Employee discarded chili during inspection. **Repeat Violation**
01B-02-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed throughout establishment. **Repeat Violation**
36-34-5
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed ice buckets not inverted next to ice machine.
24-05-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed by ice machine, also on hallway by walk in cooler/freezer. **Repeat Violation**
36-22-4
Basic - Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Observed at walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
36-01-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed throughout establishment.
36-73-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed a bag of raw onions stored on walk in cooler floor. Operator stored properly. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed on clean plastic containers by hallway.
16-46-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed at cook line.
22-16-4
47
Oct 21, 2024
Routine - Food
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-21: Still observed. **Time Extended**
22-20-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Observed at walk in cooler. Also under equipment at cookline. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-21: Still observed. **Time Extended**
36-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed in unit by ice cream station. - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-21: Still observed. **Time Extended**
29-49-6
86
Aug 14, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 13 minor violations.
View 17 violations
High Priority - Employee rubbed hands together for less than 10-15 seconds while washing hands.
12A-17-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed Observed cooked chili (45F - Cold Holding) at walk in cooler date on 08/11/24. **Corrected On-Site**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked chili (45F - Cold Holding) at walk in cooler date on 08/11/24. **Corrected On-Site**
03A-02-5
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.
53B-01-5
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed at walk in cooler/freezer l
23-24-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed at cook line.
36-34-5
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
32-12-5
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed by walk in cooler/freezer hallway. Also by ice machine.
36-22-4
Basic - Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Observed at walk in cooler. Also under equipment at cookline. **Repeat Violation**
36-01-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed on cookie crumbs case at walk in cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed throughout establishment.
38-07-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in all units throughout establishment.
23-03-4
Basic - Sanitizing solution for wiping cloths not free of food debris and visible soil. Observed by ice cream station.
21-11-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed in unit by ice cream station.
29-49-6
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed on HWS by door entrance.
29-11-4
Basic - Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Observed Sanitizer Bucket; (Quaternary 0ppm) **Corrected On-Site**
21-08-4
30
Apr 22, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed HWS across 3 compartment sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
22-20-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed throughout establishment.
36-34-5
Basic - Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Observed at walk in cooler.
36-01-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed on clean plastic containers at 3 compartment sink.
16-46-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed at cook line. Also on reach in freezer at cook line.
22-16-4
70
Dec 11, 2023
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
82
Oct 9, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 11 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed hot dogs packages on standing water at 3 compartment sink. As per operator less than 3 hours. hot dogs (51F - Cold Holding) employee moved hot dogs from water and proceeded to stored on metal containers. **Repeat Violation**
03A-02-5
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. Provided form during inspection.
11-26-1
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed broken vent at coffee station.
36-32-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed dust accumulation on vents throughout kitchen.
36-34-5
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed ice buckets not inverted in front ice machine across office.
24-05-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed 2 employees at the cook line.
13-03-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed throughout establishment.
36-22-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed under skate rack next to employee entrance. **Repeat Violation**
36-73-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed fries and onion rings boxes stored on floor inside walk in freezer. Also cooking oil container stored on floor between fryer and reach in freezer at cook line.
08B-38-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Repeat Violation**
33-16-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water at the bottom of reach in cooler next to expo table. Also in reach in cooler at shake station.
29-49-6
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed hot dogs packages on standing water at 3 compartment sink. As per operator less than 3 hours. hot dogs (51F - Cold Holding) employee moved hot dogs from water and proceeded to stored on metal containers. **Corrective Action Taken**
06-01-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed on ice machine next to rack across office.
22-20-5
45
Mar 1, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 12 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed hot dogs (49 F - Cold Holding); corn dogs (49 F - Cold Holding) at combo unit, reach in cooler preparation line. As per manager for less than two hours. Operator moved the products to the walk in cooler for rapid cooling. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at two handwash sinks. And observed no paper towels or air dryer on women bathroom. Manager provided the paper. **Corrective Action Taken**
31B-02-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling vent broken above coffee station.
36-32-5
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. Observed combo unit reach in cooler at 53°F. Operator moved the products to the walk in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**
14-74-7
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. **Repeat Violation**
32-12-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. **Repeat Violation**
13-03-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris next to front door.
36-73-4
Basic - Grease receptacle lid open, broken, or missing. **Repeat Violation**
33-29-4
Basic - Heavy accumulation of Ice buildup in reach-in freezer, located next to fryers. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled at kitchen area.
23-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Repeat Violation**
33-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed reach in freezer soiled, one located next to fryers. **Repeat Violation**
22-16-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed soiled walls behind shake station. **Repeat Violation**
36-27-5
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed water leaking from refrigeration system line at walk in freezer.
29-11-4
43
Sep 26, 2022
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
39
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Sonic Drive in last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Sonic Drive in on file is from Jan 15, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Sonic Drive in?
Across the inspection record, “time/temperature control for safety food cold held” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Sonic Drive in.
How does Sonic Drive in compare to other restaurants in Homestead?
Sonic Drive in most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is about the same as the Homestead average of 70.
Has Sonic Drive in's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Sonic Drive in have averaged around 10 violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Sonic Drive in 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 Sonic Drive in inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Sonic Drive in is inspected around three times per year on average.
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