Taco Rico
Last inspected: Dec 30, 2025
78
Score
Taco Rico has been inspected 11 times since 2022. Taco Rico was last inspected on Dec 30, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around eight violations per visit lately, up from roughly six violations before.
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing three times across the record.
Restaurants in Miami average 74, so Taco Rico is doing better than most peers. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 30, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at front counter sink. Observed in restroom; mechanical device not functioning. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-30: **Time Extended**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed on dry food and dish racks. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-30: **Time Extended**
22-31-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed water damage to tiles in establishment. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-30: **Time Extended**
36-32-5
78
Dec 29, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw beef with fries in chest freezer in kitchen. **Warning**
08A-17-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at front counter: pico de Gallo (60F - Cold Holding); chunky salsa (61F - Cold Holding); tomatillo salsa (60F - Cold Holding). As per operator, less than 2 hours. Operator added more ice to water bath to fully submerge items. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at front counter sink. Observed in restroom; mechanical device not functioning. **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed on dry food and dish racks. **Warning**
22-31-4
Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed on dry food rack in kitchen. Observed in walk in cooler. **Warning**
14-05-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed water damage to tiles in establishment. **Warning**
36-32-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed case of oil on floor of kitchen. **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed case of to go containers on floor at front counter. **Warning**
25-05-4
50
Aug 21, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed chemical spray stored above to go boxes.
41-10-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed in reach in cooler under grill; raw meat over veggies. Operator corrected during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee at cook line pull up pants and used same gloved hands to flip chicken. Inspector coached operator on proper handwash techniques. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-28-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed dust on shelves in kitchen where dishes and food are kept.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed on dry dish and food racks.
22-31-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed in kitchen.
36-34-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed on prep table in kitchen.
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed backpack on dry food rack. **Repeat Violation**
40-06-5
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee with AirPod.
13-07-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed cook at front with no hair restraint.
13-03-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in chest freezer. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed in walk in.
14-17-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed in kitchen.
36-27-5
35
Mar 10, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
61
Jan 21, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed food employees Ana K, Jacinto, Beatriz, Alexis all hired for more than 60 days. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-21: Observed food employees Ana K, Jacinto, Beatriz, Alexis all hired for more than 60 days. **Admin Complaint**
53B-02-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-21: Observed Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Time Extended**
35B-01-4
86
Nov 20, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed peppers stored inside Nonfood-grade inside chest freezer. **Warning**
14-31-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled. Employee started to clean during inspection. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed food employees Ana K, Jacinto, Beatriz, Alexis all hired for more than 60 days. **Warning**
53B-02-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Warning**
42-01-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed at dry storage. Operator placed chain around to secure tank. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
51-11-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Warning**
35B-01-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoop inside rice and beans container with handle in contact with product. Operator placed handle upwards. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-01-5
55
Apr 29, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Feb 28, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed yellow rice (127 F - Hot Holding) at rice cooker. As per operator for less than 30 minutes. Operator turned on the cooker to reheat the rice. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
03B-01-6
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. Observed one new employee no proof of Food employee reporting agreement. The food employee reported agreement was signed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed the employee training expired on 09/2023. **Warning**
53B-05-5
Basic - Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Observed Sanitizer Bucket (Quaternary 0 ppm). Operator changed the solution. Final concentration 200 ppm. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
21-08-4
Basic - Two employees with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employees put the hair restraint. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
13-03-4
Basic - Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Observed slow draining water in hand wash sink located next to three compartment sink. **Warning**
29-20-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled. **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Observed the utensil handling touching the cooked rice at steam table. Operator removed the handle. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
10-06-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Warning**
50-09-4
52
Jul 11, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed beans (130 F - Hot Holding) and cheese sauce (120 F - Hot Holding) at steam table. Operator increased the temperature t the steam table to reheat the products. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Observed Sanitizer Bucket (Quaternary 500 ppm) under steam table at front counter. Manager change the sanitizer solution, final concentration 200 ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
41-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener soiled.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand wash sink blocked by containers on top of it and garbage can. Operator removed the containers and moved the garbage can. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed water leaking from faucet of three compartment sink.
29-11-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
36-37-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Observed in use utensil with handle touching the rice at front counter. Operator removed the handle. **Corrected On-Site**
10-06-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer located at front counter.
14-69-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed two employees with no hair restraint at front counter.
13-03-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed some holes on ceiling tiles above three compartment sink.
36-32-5
43
Jan 25, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
No Bare Hand Contact with Ready-to-Eat Food
FL-09
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
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
Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used
FL-32
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
29
Jul 8, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Quaternary ammonium sanitizer in sanitizing bucket not at proper minimum strength. Observed at the front counter the sanitizing quaternary solution At 100 ppm Operator replaced the quaternary sanitizing solution concentration to 200 ppm **Corrected On-Site**
22-40-4
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/ **Warning**
53A-05-6
Intermediate - Person in charge unable to answer basic Food Code questions pertaining to safe operation of establishment. Person in charge unable to answer the big six. Poster of the big six was emailed.
53A-14-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
36-34-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed the scoop handle of the yellow rice touching the food. The scoop location was corrected **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Emailed the operator the chocking poster
51-13-4
58
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taco Rico last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taco Rico on file is from Dec 30, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taco Rico?
Across the inspection record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Taco Rico.
How does Taco Rico compare to other restaurants in Miami?
Taco Rico most recently scored 78 out of 100, which is higher than the Miami average of 74.
Has Taco Rico's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Taco Rico have averaged around eight violations per visit, up from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Taco Rico means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Taco Rico inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taco Rico is inspected around three times per year on average.
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