Taco's El Flaco
Last inspected: Mar 20, 2026
67
Score
Taco's El Flaco appears in inspection records 10 times, starting in 2025. Inspectors last stopped by on Mar 20, 2026. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around two violations to closer to nine violations per visit.
The pattern that stands out is “observed”, which has been cited two times.
Compared to other Tampa restaurants (averaging 79), there's room to close the gap. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
3
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 20, 2026
Complaint Full
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Observed: 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. **Warning** Priority: Intermediate - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-20: **Time Extended**
11-27-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Observed: No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test kit. **Warning** Priority: Intermediate - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-20: **Time Extended**
16-37-1
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Observed: Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked yellow rice, cooked pork tamales and cooked pork not date marked. **Warning** Priority: Intermediate - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-20: **Time Extended**
02C-02-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Observed: Mobile food dispensing vehicle license number not permanently affixed on the side of the unit in figures at least 2 inches high and in contrasting colors from the background of the vehicle. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** Priority: Basic - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-20: **Time Extended**
50-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Observed: No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** Priority: Basic - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-20: **Time Extended**
51-13-4
67
Jan 15, 2026
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 6 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Observed: Raw animal food stored over canned/bottled drinks. Raw beef and raw chicken stored over canned sodas. Employee moved canned sodas to other reach-in cooler with no raw food items. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** Priority: High Priority
08A-11-5
High Priority - Observed: Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chorizo stored over cooked pork. Operator rearranged items to prevent cross contamination. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** Priority: High Priority
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Observed: No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** Priority: Intermediate
05-08-4
Intermediate - Observed: Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Reach-in cooler stored in front of the handwash sink and blocked access to utilized handwash sink. Plastic food containers and lids stored in handwash sink. Operator removed items from handwash sink and moved reach-in cooler aside from handwash sink. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning** Priority: Intermediate
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Observed: Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked yellow rice, cooked pork tamales and cooked pork not date marked. **Warning** Priority: Intermediate
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Observed: Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Employee washed hands in three-compartments sink. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** Priority: Intermediate
12A-03-4
Intermediate - Observed: No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test kit. **Warning** Priority: Intermediate
16-37-1
Intermediate - Observed: 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. **Warning** Priority: Intermediate
11-27-4
Basic - Observed: Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. **Warning** Priority: Basic
13-03-4
Basic - Observed: Mobile food dispensing vehicle is not self-propelled or otherwise movable from place to place. Observed a flat tire on the mfdv unit. **Warning** Priority: Basic
51-36-1
Basic - Observed: Mobile food dispensing vehicle license number not permanently affixed on the side of the unit in figures at least 2 inches high and in contrasting colors from the background of the vehicle. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** Priority: Basic
50-04-4
Basic - Observed: No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** Priority: Basic
51-13-4
33
Jan 5, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 3 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. A container of cooked beef (109F - Hot Holding) store on stove top. Employee starts reheating cooked beef on griddle top at time of inspection. Re temped: 153F. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Employee washed hands in three-compartments sink.
12A-03-4
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.
11-27-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. More than a dozen of oranges stored in handwash sink. A bucket of water stored on floor blocking access to handwash sink. Employee removed items from handwash sink at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
05-08-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked yellow rice and cooked beef in large upright cooler. **Repeat Violation**
02C-02-5
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. A case of fry oil and a bottle of soy sauce stored on floor.
08B-47-4
Basic - Mobile food dispensing vehicle license number not permanently affixed on the side of the unit in figures at least 2 inches high and in contrasting colors from the background of the vehicle. **Repeat Violation**
50-04-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
51-13-4
45
Dec 8, 2025
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Mobile food dispensing vehicle license number not permanently affixed on the side of the unit in figures at least 2 inches high and in contrasting colors from the background of the vehicle. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-07: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-09: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-13: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-14: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-08:
50-04-4
95
Oct 14, 2025
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Mobile food dispensing vehicle connected to utilities on more than a temporary basis. Observed a PVC pipe permanently connected to waste water tank to dump waste water to unknown area behind fence at operating location. Observed propane permanently connected to a large propane tank on ground next to the food truck.**Warning** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-07: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-09: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-13: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-14: **Time Extended**
51-06-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Mobile food dispensing vehicle license number not permanently affixed on the side of the unit in figures at least 2 inches high and in contrasting colors from the background of the vehicle. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-07: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-09: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-13: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-14: **Time Extended**
50-04-4
90
Oct 13, 2025
Routine - Food
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Mobile food dispensing vehicle license number not permanently affixed on the side of the unit in figures at least 2 inches high and in contrasting colors from the background of the vehicle. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-07: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-09: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-13: **Time Extended**
50-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Observed 4 dead roaches on floor under sink **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-07: 3 dead roaches on floor under prep table by fryer. 2 dead roaches on floor under white reach-in cooler. 3 roach egg sacs on floor behind white reach-in cooler. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-09: 4 dead roaches on floor under white reach-in cooler. 3 dead roaches on floor under prep table by fryer. 2 roach egg sacs on floor behind white reach-in cooler. 1 roach egg sac on floor by entrance. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-13: 5 dead roaches on floor by water tanks under three-compartments sink. 5 roach egg sacs on floor by water tanks under three-compartments sink. Operator discarded dead roaches and eggs, cleaned and sanitized the area. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
35A-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Mobile food dispensing vehicle connected to utilities on more than a temporary basis. Observed a PVC pipe permanently connected to waste water tank to dump waste water to unknown area behind fence at operating location. Observed propane permanently connected to a large propane tank on ground next to the food truck.**Warning** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-07: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-09: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-13: **Time Extended**
51-06-4
86
Oct 9, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 5 live roaches on white refrigerator 4 live roaches on wall and floor under handwash sink 8 live roaches on floor and wall under small prep table next to fryer 1 live roach on reach in cooler in the shed. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-07: 5 live roaches on the back of the white reach-in cooler. 1 live roach crawling on floor behind reach-in cooler. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-09: 2 live roaches crawling on the back of the white reach-in cooler. **Time Extended**
35A-05-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Observed 4 dead roaches on floor under sink **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-07: 3 dead roaches on floor under prep table by fryer. 2 dead roaches on floor under white reach-in cooler. 3 roach egg sacs on floor behind white reach-in cooler. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-09: 4 dead roaches on floor under white reach-in cooler. 3 dead roaches on floor under prep table by fryer. 2 roach egg sacs on floor behind white reach-in cooler. 1 roach egg sac on floor by entrance. **Time Extended**
35A-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Mobile food dispensing vehicle connected to utilities on more than a temporary basis. Observed a PVC pipe permanently connected to waste water tank to dump waste water to unknown area behind fence at operating location. Observed propane permanently connected to a large propane tank on ground next to the food truck.**Warning** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-07: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-09: **Time Extended**
51-06-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Mobile food dispensing vehicle license number not permanently affixed on the side of the unit in figures at least 2 inches high and in contrasting colors from the background of the vehicle. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-07: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-09: **Time Extended**
50-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed mold like substance on air conditioning unit above handwash sink **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-07: Some parts of the ac vent have been cleaned. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-09: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
70
Oct 7, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 5 live roaches on white refrigerator 4 live roaches on wall and floor under handwash sink 8 live roaches on floor and wall under small prep table next to fryer 1 live roach on reach in cooler in the shed. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-07: 5 live roaches on the back of the white reach-in cooler. 1 live roach crawling on floor behind reach-in cooler. **Time Extended**
35A-05-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Observed 4 dead roaches on floor under sink **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-07: 3 dead roaches on floor under prep table by fryer. 2 dead roaches on floor under white reach-in cooler. 3 roach egg sacs on floor behind white reach-in cooler. **Time Extended**
35A-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Mobile food dispensing vehicle connected to utilities on more than a temporary basis. Observed a PVC pipe permanently connected to waste water tank to dump waste water to unknown area behind fence at operating location. Observed propane permanently connected to a large propane tank on ground next to the food truck.**Warning** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-07: **Time Extended**
51-06-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Mobile food dispensing vehicle license number not permanently affixed on the side of the unit in figures at least 2 inches high and in contrasting colors from the background of the vehicle. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-07: **Time Extended**
50-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed mold like substance on air conditioning unit above handwash sink **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-07: Some parts of the ac vent have been cleaned. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
23-03-4
70
Oct 6, 2025
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 3 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 17 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found Approximately 20 live flies in the plywood made shed stored with food seasoning, tomatillos, rice, bottle drinks and a reach in cooler with time/temperature control for safety food behind the food truck. **Warning**
35A-02-7
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef, raw chicken, raw pork stored over cooked onion in glass reach in cooler **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken stored over raw beef in glass reach in cooler **Warning**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 5 live roaches on white refrigerator 4 live roaches on wall and floor under handwash sink 8 live roaches on floor and wall under small prep table next to fryer 1 live roach on reach in cooler in the shed. **Warning**
35A-05-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Glass door cooler: raw beef (48F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (48F - Cold Holding); cooked yellow rice (48F - Cold Holding); White reach in cooler: sour cream (50F - Cold Holding); shredded lettuce (48F - Cold Holding); cut tomato (48F - Cold Holding) **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed no date mark on cooked yellow rice, cooked chicken, cooked black beans stored in glass door reach in cooler. No date mark on cut watermelon in white reach in cooler **Warning**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Self-sufficient mobile food dispensing vehicle operating from an unapproved commissary. Observed a shed built of unfinished plywood on ground behind food truck. Multiple food items including rice, sugar, tomatillos, bottled beverages and also a reach in cooler with tcs food in it. The shed is not movable. No smooth and easy to clean smooth walls and floor. Ceiling is not completely sealed, able to see exterior light through gaps **Warning**
51-22-4
Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Wall not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, warewashing areas or bathroom. Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Wooden food storage shed behind food truck **Warning**
36-11-4
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Case of fryer oil stored less than 6 inches off floor. Employee relocated **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-47-4
Basic - Food stored outside. Observed 1 case shredded mozzarella, a container of taco sauce, and various food items stored on unenclosed porch area. Employee moved all items into the truck **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-42-4
Basic - Interior of microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - Mobile food dispensing vehicle connected to utilities on more than a temporary basis. Observed a PVC pipe permanently connected to waste water tank to dump waste water to unknown area behind fence at operating location. Observed propane permanently connected to a large propane tank on ground next to the food truck.**Warning** **Warning**
51-06-4
Basic - Mobile food dispensing vehicle license number not permanently affixed on the side of the unit in figures at least 2 inches high and in contrasting colors from the background of the vehicle. **Warning**
50-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed mold like substance on air conditioning unit above handwash sink **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Wood food-contact surface not properly Observed food storage shelves made of unfinished plywood **Warning**
14-06-4
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Observed 4 dead roaches on floor under sink **Warning**
35A-03-4
22
Feb 5, 2025
Food-Licensing Inspection
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taco's El Flaco last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taco's El Flaco on file is from Mar 20, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taco's El Flaco?
Across the inspection record, “observed” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Taco's El Flaco.
How does Taco's El Flaco compare to other restaurants in Tampa?
Taco's El Flaco most recently scored 67 out of 100, which is lower than the Tampa average of 79.
Has Taco's El Flaco's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Taco's El Flaco have averaged around nine violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Taco's El Flaco means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
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