Taco Libre
Last inspected: Oct 8, 2025
32
Score
Inspectors have visited Taco Libre 10 times, with records going back to 2022. The most recent report on file is from Oct 8, 2025. A high risk tier suggests the facility had a rough recent inspection, with multiple violations on record.
The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around four violations to closer to 10 violations.
When inspectors have written things up, “time/temperature control for safety food” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.
Compared to other St. Augustine restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. This restaurant has more on its record than most do.
10
Inspections
6
Critical latest
1
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 8, 2025
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Employee switched from working with raw food to ready-to-eat food without washing hands. Observed employee handle raw steak with gloved hands, then handle ready to eat seasoning without hand wash. Discussed utilizing tongs and holding in water at cook line above 135F. Person in charge had employee remove gloves and wash hands. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-12-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibs outside back door.
29-34-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Chicken and shrimp in container on griddle next to cook line at 96-108F. Person in charge states Keeps on griddle then reheats to order. Discussed possibility of holding on time. Person in charge discarded. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Salsa held on ice made yesterday per person in charge at 53F. Observed ice level below product level, only iced down on one side. Discussed time with operator. Person in charge moved to walk in freezer to rapidly chill. Corn in make line at front of make line at 45F. Person in charge discarded. Other items in unit in temperature. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. In walk in cooler flan dated 9/30, salsa 9/29, chicken 9/29, cabbage 9/29.
01B-24-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. In makeline reach in cooler raw fish stored over unwashed produce. In walk in cooler raw ground beef stored over intact beef. In makeline drawers raw chicken stored over raw steak. Person in charge began rearranging. **Corrective Action Taken**
08A-04-5
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Hot water turned off at prep area hand wash sink. Person in charge turned on during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
27-16-4
Basic - Drain cover(s) missing. Drain covers missing at several sink drains in kitchen.
29-18-4
Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed paint peeling throughout kitchen.
36-11-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Several hand wash sinks missing hand wash signs. Bar hand wash sink missing soap.
31B-04-4
32
Apr 28, 2025
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed approximately four dead flying insects on window seals above food prep area. Discussed with person in charge. Observed live lizard on pipes under dish machine. Person in charge captured lizard and released it outside. **Corrective Action Taken**
35A-09-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shrimp stored above ready to eat pork in walk-in cooler. Person in charge placed shrimp on bottle shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed French fries on counter (54F - Cold Holding) for approximately one hour per person in charge. Person in charge placed in freezer. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed pot of pork (97F - Hot Holding) left to the side of the grill on cook line for approximately two hours. Person in charge placed on stove to reheat. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board stained with food debris. Observed can opener blade soiled with food debris. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed clear spray bottle filled with clear liquid missing common label. Person in charge added label. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water on floor of kitchen. Person in charge had employee start mopping floor. **Corrective Action Taken**
36-22-4
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Observed one dead roach on floor near ice machine. Person in charge swept and removed dead roach. **Corrected On-Site**
35A-03-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets on drawers and reach in coolers soiled with food debris. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Floor, walls soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floors throughout kitchen soiled with old food debris and single service trash. Observed walls on cook line soiled with grease.
36-73-4
37
Oct 16, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw chicken inside thank you plastic bag in walk-in cooler.
14-31-5
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken in same pan has raw whole muscle beef. Raw Beef sitting in chicken water. Person in charge stated beef will be cooked to above 165F. Person in charge had employees rearrange speed rack placing items in order of minimum cooking temperature. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed bucket of lettuce (67F - Cold Holding) sitting on counter behind cook line for one hour per person in charge. Person in charge added ice and placed in walk-in cooler too cool. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed sliced chicken (111F - Hot Holding); shredded pork (88F - Hot Holding) left on flat top turned off for 30 min per person in charge. Person in charge voluntarily disposed of product. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board soiled with food debris.
22-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed hand washing station by cook line and hand washing station at kitchen entrance missing soap Observed bar hand washing station missing soap. Person in charge had soap added to all hand washing stations. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Observed personal food stored above establishment food in walk-in cooler. Person in charge had employee place personal food on bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-49-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed bucket of chips in dry storage missing cover.
08B-12-5
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed old labels on clean stacked food containers.
16-46-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gasket on cook line coolers soiled.
23-03-4
37
Jun 19, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
May 23, 2024
Complaint Full
5 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed 6 bottles of bleach and floor cleaner stored on top of ice machine. Person in charge moved chemicals to dry storage on bottom shelves. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed pork (112F - Hot Holding) in pot on stove. Person in charge turned stove up to reheat during inspection. Item has been put for two hours per person in charge. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed bucket of lettuce (78F - Cold Holding) left on out on counter. Person in charge voluntarily through away. Observed queso cheese from 5/22 (59F - Cold Holding)
01B-02-5
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed queso cheese from 5/22 (59F - Cold Holding) in walk-in cooler. See stop sale.
03D-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed bucket of lettuce (78F - Cold Holding) left on out on counter. Person in charge voluntarily through away. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Observed queso left in 22qt container too cool not reaching 41 in 6 hours. Discussed other options with person in charge. Observed two cut lettuce in 22qt containers with water at 61F inside walk-in cooler for 2.5 hours per person in charge. Person in charge had employees take and place lettuce in more shallow container with additional ice. **Corrective Action Taken**
03D-15-4
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed both cook employees eating on cook line. Immediately intervened and employees removed food and washed hands, change gloves. Discussed with person in charge. **Repeat Violation**
12B-02-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed multiple gaskets on cook line coolers torn. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed white plastic can of unwashed onions on floor in produce walk-in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed multiple gaskets on cook line soiled with food debris. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
35
Apr 18, 2024
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : 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 drawer reach in coolers on large flat top grill sitting at ambient 50F. All gaskets on drawers torn. Person in charge removed all time/temperature controlled for safety foods out of cooler. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-18: Ambient shows 50F. Inspector took ambient at 40F. Gaskets still torn. Person in charge is calling for service for gaskets. **Time Extended**
14-74-7
95
Apr 17, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
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
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
29
Nov 15, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 6 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed 1 6lb can of whole tomatoes with rust on all sides and seams.
01B-01-4
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw pork under raw ground beef in walk-in cooler . Discussed with person in charge. Observed raw pork under raw chicken in walk-in cooler. Person in charge had employee start rearranging walk-in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-20-5
Intermediate - Employee has not received adequate training related to their assigned duties as evidenced by the inability to answer basic food safety questions. Observed cook on line unable to determine what temperature all items should be reheated too. Immediately discussed with person in charge and provided Spanish and English reheating handout. **Corrective Action Taken**
53B-16-4
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. Provided written procedures in English and Spanish and discussed with person in charge **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand washing station near dry storage prep area blocked by 5 gallon buckets. Person in charge removed buckets. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed chemical test kit at Dishmachine wet and unable to test sanitizer. No other chemical test kit available to test sanitizer.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed hand washing station with no paper towels by dish machine. Person in charge added paper towels. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle filled with clear liquid at bar without a label. Person in charge added a label. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed multiple gaskets on coolers in kitchen soiled with food debris and black/green mold like substance. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave on cook line soiled with food.
22-08-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed plastic food grade bucket with lettuce on floor of walk-in cooler. Observed two cases of food on floor of walk-in freezer Observed case of rice and bucket of beans on floor of dry storage. Person in charge had employees start placing food on shelves. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
35
Mar 17, 2023
Complaint Full
No violations found.
100
Aug 29, 2022
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. 1) raw breaded fish stored above precooked chicken strips, chicken strips are full cooked. Person in charge moved raw fish below ready to eat chicken. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. See stop sale. 1) missing Tim mark on salsa at wait station. Person in charge added. **Corrected On-Site**
03F-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. 1) steamer well next to fryers: rice (120F - Hot Holding)l per person in charge rice has been in well less than 2 hours. Placed on stove to reheat to 165F by end of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. 1) 4 large tubs of refried beans ambient air cooling. Discussed with operator and person in charge portioned out beans into smaller pans, placed on ice and had employees stir to reach 70F before the 2 hour limit. **Corrected On-Site**
03D-15-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. 1) cutting boards on flip-top cooler top coolers soiled and stained with food debris. 2) soda machine at wait station has black/green mold like substance on nozzles. 3) soda gun at wait station has black/green mold like substance in nozzle. Discussed with person in charge.
22-02-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1) Gaskets on flip-top cooler, walk-in cooler, walk-in freezer are soiled with food debris and black/green mold like substance.
23-03-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. 1) bowl in chili powder. Discussed with person in charge and they removed bowl. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-01-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. 1) boxes of food in walk-in freezer on floor. Person in charge moved boxes off floor. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
45
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taco Libre last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taco Libre on file is from Oct 8, 2025. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taco Libre?
Across the inspection record, “time/temperature control for safety food” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Taco Libre.
How does Taco Libre compare to other restaurants in St. Augustine?
Taco Libre most recently scored 32 out of 100, which is lower than the St. Augustine average of 81.
Has Taco Libre's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Taco Libre have averaged around 10 violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Taco Libre 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 Taco Libre inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taco Libre is inspected around three times per year on average.
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