Taco Time Mexican Grill
Last inspected: Feb 12, 2026
61
Score
Taco Time Mexican Grill has been inspected 10 times since 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Feb 12, 2026. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around seven violations to closer to nine violations per visit.
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing six times across the record.
That's lower than the typical Tavares restaurant, which scores around 66. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
8
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 12, 2026
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. White cutting board on prep table. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler gaskets by cook line. Reach in cooler by cook line. **Repeat Violation**
22-16-4
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Both men and women restrooms
32-04-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tile be cook line.
36-34-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tong on oven handle. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. In pico container. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
10-06-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Oven at cook line.
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler gaskets by cook line. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. On dry storage shelf. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
16-46-4
61
Sep 3, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Per operator less than 4 hours moved to freezer for quick cooling. Shredded Cheese (49F - Cold Holding); Cut lettuce (50F - Cold Holding)
03A-02-5
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found Two flying insect in prep area. Operator killed.
35A-02-7
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. White cutting boards at prep area. Can opener eouked **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Blocked with trash can. Operator removed.
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Operator replaced. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee water bottle above prep table. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
Basic - Food-contact surface not smooth and easily cleanable. 5 Chipped plates. Operator removed
14-13-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. In standing water 97F. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
10-07-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Ovens at cook line
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler gaskets at prep area.
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler at prep area.
22-16-4
39
Apr 16, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. - raw shell eggs stored over cooked rice. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -Green cutting board
22-02-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. - red and green cutting boards stored in back area. **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. - back door **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. - broken cold holding unit in prep area. **Repeat Violation**
33-31-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
42-01-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. - bulk sugar **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
61
Sep 6, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. - can opener - green cutting board in prep area - ice chute at drink station. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. - green cutting board
14-09-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
35B-01-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. - exterior of soda machine
23-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid.
33-16-4
Basic - Unnecessary unused equipment on the premises. - old cold holding unit in prep area.
33-31-5
67
Feb 14, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. - can opener - green cutting board in prep area.
22-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. - hand sink at front counter - hand sink next to 3 compartment sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters
23-03-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. - cooking oil under steam table. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. - microwave in kitchen area
22-08-4
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. -Jalapeños stored over ready to eat foods in cold holding unit in prep area. **Repeat Violation**
08B-17-4
67
Aug 22, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
55
Mar 7, 2023
Complaint Partial
No violations found.
100
Feb 21, 2023
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Evidence of mop/cleaning wastewater dumped onto ground. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-02-21: Time extended until 2/23/23 **Time Extended**
28-14-5
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Hose Bibb located outside next to back door. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-02-21: **Time Extended**
29-34-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Well water testing report/documentation is not available upon request. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-02-21: **Time Extended**
27-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. back door **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-02-21: **Time Extended**
35B-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment. Mop sink outside backdoor not hooked up to drain line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-02-21: Per operator plumber is scheduled Wednesday to reattach drain lines. Time extended until 2/23/23 **Time Extended**
29-27-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Gray water is being discharged directly on ground. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-02-21: Per operator plumber is scheduled for Wednesday to reattach mop sink drain. Time extended until 2/23/23 **Time Extended**
29-08-4
58
Feb 16, 2023
Complaint Full
5 critical violations. 7 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Hose Bibb located outside next to back door. **Warning**
29-34-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Steak crumbles 51°, beef broth 52° Operator discarded. **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef stored over gallon milk. **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Evidence of mop/cleaning wastewater dumped onto ground. **Warning**
28-14-5
Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Gallon milk open 2 days prior. **Warning**
02C-03-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Ice chute at drink station.
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. **Warning**
53B-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. All employees **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. **Warning**
53B-05-5
Intermediate - Temporary interruption - no alternative supply of water provided. **Warning**
27-01-4
Intermediate - Well water testing report/documentation is not available upon request. **Warning**
27-02-4
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Employee drink stored with food in dry storage area. **Warning**
12B-02-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. back door **Warning**
35B-01-4
Basic - No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment. Mop sink outside backdoor not hooked up to drain line. **Warning**
29-27-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Gray water is being discharged directly on ground. **Warning**
29-08-4
19
Dec 22, 2022
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee handle bleach, Rinse gloves and then grab a bag of lettuce. **Warning**
12A-09-4
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle over tamales. **Warning**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Open gallon of milk. **Warning**
02C-03-5
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. **Warning**
53B-05-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. At warewash. **Warning**
41-17-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Cooking oil under steam table. **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12B-07-4
50
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taco Time Mexican Grill last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taco Time Mexican Grill on file is from Feb 12, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taco Time Mexican Grill?
Across the inspection record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Taco Time Mexican Grill.
How does Taco Time Mexican Grill compare to other restaurants in Tavares?
Taco Time Mexican Grill most recently scored 61 out of 100, which is lower than the Tavares average of 66.
Has Taco Time Mexican Grill's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Taco Time Mexican Grill have averaged around nine violations per visit, up from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Taco Time Mexican Grill 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 Taco Time Mexican Grill inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taco Time Mexican Grill is inspected around three times per year on average.
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