Taco's El Tuzo
Last inspected: Mar 27, 2026
67
Score
Taco's El Tuzo has been inspected 12 times since 2023. Taco's El Tuzo was last inspected on Mar 27, 2026. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around eight violations per visit versus roughly three violations earlier in the record.
Looking across the full record, “time/temperature control for safety food cold held” is the recurring theme, flagged four times.
That's lower than the typical Tampa restaurant, which scores around 79. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
3
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 27, 2026
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-27: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Probe thermometer not used to ensure proper food temperatures. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-27: **Time Extended**
05-10-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled with purple liquid in storage trailer. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-27: **Time Extended**
41-17-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Knives between prep table and reach in cooler. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-27: **Time Extended**
10-17-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-27: **Time Extended**
05-09-4
67
Mar 26, 2026
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found 2 dead flies on shelf next to single service items. **Warning**
35A-02-7
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef over cooked tortillas in reach in cooler. Operator relocated. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Cold holding: raw beef 47 F, raw fish 46 F, raw pork 48 F, cooked shrimp 48 F, cooked vegetables soup 50 F, Per operator all items were in reach in cooler over night and is unaware when items went out of temperature. Operator did not take temperatures of food items in the morning. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold holding: raw beef 47 F, raw fish 46 F, raw pork 48 F, cooked shrimp 48 F, cooked vegetables soup 50 F, Per operator all items were in reach in cooler over night and is unaware when items went out of temperature. Operator did not take temperatures of food items in the morning. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Probe thermometer not used to ensure proper food temperatures. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
05-10-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled with purple liquid in storage trailer. **Warning**
41-17-4
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Knives between prep table and reach in cooler. **Warning**
10-17-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on prep table in kitchen. **Warning**
12B-07-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
05-09-4
35
Oct 1, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 9 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. Raw chicken over raw beef in white chest reach in freezer in storage trailer.
08A-17-6
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Cold holding: cooked pork 50 F, seasoned pork 48 F, Per operator items were in reach in cooler overnight and is unaware when items went out of temperature.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold holding: cooked pork 50 F, seasoned pork 48 F, Per operator items were in reach in cooler overnight and is unaware when items went out of temperature.
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards.
22-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Probe thermometer not used to ensure proper food temperatures.
05-10-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in freezers in storage trailer.
22-16-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Handle of scoop in bulk flour.
10-01-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Multiple white chest reach in freezers in storage trailer.
14-69-4
41
Feb 17, 2025
Routine - Food
3 major violations.
View 3 violations
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
74
Jul 26, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen . **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-26: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
90
Jul 25, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
58
Mar 18, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
78
Nov 29, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chorizo over mozzarella in reach in cooler . Operator relocated at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Head of lettuce in handwash sink.
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
53B-13-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled with clear liquid near handwash sink . **Repeat Violation**
41-17-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bulk sugar.
02D-01-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets of reach in coolers.
23-03-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee water bottle on prep table. **Repeat Violation**
12B-07-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl in bulk sugar. Operator removed at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
47
Aug 28, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Observed - From initial inspection : Observed: Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen. Priority: Intermediate - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-11: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2023-07-12: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-28: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Observed - From initial inspection : Observed: Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave in kitchen. Priority: Basic - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-11: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2023-07-12: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-28: **Time Extended**
22-08-4
86
Jul 12, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Observed - From initial inspection : Observed: Nonfood-grade hose conveying potable water. Priority: High Priority - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-11: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2023-07-12: **Time Extended**
29-04-4
Intermediate - Observed - From initial inspection : Observed: Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen. Priority: Intermediate - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-11: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2023-07-12: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Observed - From initial inspection : Observed: No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Operator has bought new MFDV and has not submitted plans for unit. MFDV has a storage unit that is not movable next to it. Storage unit holds 2 white chest reach in freezers and 1 reach in cooler. Unwashed produce,bottle drinks and other food items are being stored as well. Priority: Intermediate - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-11: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2023-07-12: Application submitted June 11,2023 with plan review. Application #187827 File #60221 **Time Extended**
51-16-7
Basic - Observed - From initial inspection : Observed: Mobile food dispensing vehicle is utilizing storage unit not self-propelled or otherwise movable from place to place to hold and prep food. Storage unit holds 2 white chest reach in freezers and 1 reach in cooler. Unwashed produce,bottle drinks and other food items are being stored as well. Priority: Basic - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-11: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2023-07-12: **Time Extended**
51-36-1
Basic - Observed - From initial inspection : Observed: Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave in kitchen. Priority: Basic - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-11: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2023-07-12: **Time Extended**
22-08-4
64
May 11, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Observed - From initial inspection : Observed: Nonfood-grade hose conveying potable water. Priority: High Priority - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-11: **Time Extended**
29-04-4
High Priority - From initial inspection : Observed: Establishment operating without a license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Operator must obtain a public food service license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants within 60 days. Submit a license application and payment to DBPR/Bureau of Central Intake Unit, 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. To apply online or obtain an application for license visit http:// www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/ Previously licensed as Taco\2019s El Tuzo 3951676. Operator has moved all food items and food to this new mobile unit. Operator is selling tacos,burritos and sandwiches to the public. Priority: High Priority - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-11: **Time Extended**
50-08-7
High Priority - Observed - From initial inspection : Observed: Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold holding: chicken 76 F, pork shredded 73 F, pork 75 F, operator stated items were taken out of cooler one hour earlier. Items were placed in reach in cooler. First temperature taken at 12:35 pm. Second temperature at 1:33 pm chicken 66 F and pork 67 F. **Corrective Action Taken** Priority: High Priority - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-11: **Time Extended**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Observed - From initial inspection : Observed: Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen. Priority: Intermediate - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-11: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Observed - From initial inspection : Observed: No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Operator has bought new MFDV and has not submitted plans for unit. MFDV has a storage unit that is not movable next to it. Storage unit holds 2 white chest reach in freezers and 1 reach in cooler. Unwashed produce,bottle drinks and other food items are being stored as well. Priority: Intermediate - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-11: **Time Extended**
51-16-7
Basic - Observed - From initial inspection : Observed: Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave in kitchen. Priority: Basic - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-11: **Time Extended**
22-08-4
Basic - Observed - From initial inspection : Observed: Mobile food dispensing vehicle is utilizing storage unit not self-propelled or otherwise movable from place to place to hold and prep food. Storage unit holds 2 white chest reach in freezers and 1 reach in cooler. Unwashed produce,bottle drinks and other food items are being stored as well. Priority: Basic - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-11: **Time Extended**
51-36-1
47
May 10, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
4 critical violations. 5 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Observed: Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold holding: chicken 76 F, pork shredded 73 F, pork 75 F, operator stated items were taken out of cooler one hour earlier. Items were placed in reach in cooler. First temperature taken at 12:35 pm. Second temperature at 1:33 pm chicken 66 F and pork 67 F. **Corrective Action Taken** Priority: High Priority
03A-02-5
High Priority - Observed: Nonfood-grade hose conveying potable water. Priority: High Priority
29-04-4
High Priority - Observed: Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 3 flies in storage unit next to MFDV. 2 flies in MFDV. Priority: High Priority 41-17-4 Observed: Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled with clear liquid. Priority: Intermediate
35A-02-6
High Priority - Observed: Establishment operating without a license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Operator must obtain a public food service license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants within 60 days. Submit a license application and payment to DBPR/Bureau of Central Intake Unit, 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. To apply online or obtain an application for license visit http:// www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/ Previously licensed as Tacos El Tuzo 3951676. Operator has moved all food items and food to this new mobile unit. Operator is selling tacos,burritos and sandwiches to the public. Priority: High Priority
50-08-7
Intermediate - Observed: Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards in kitchen. Priority: Intermediate
22-02-4
Intermediate - Observed: Mobile food dispensing vehicle disposing liquid waste improperly. MFDV has waste water tanks with hose connected draining in to storm water drain of parking lot. Food service liquid waste and bathroom liquid waste was hooked up to drain and draining in to storm water drain. Observed draining at time of inspection. Operator attempted to shut off water but water is leaking at storm drain. Priority: Intermediate
28-09-5
Intermediate - Observed: No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink next to three compartment sink. Operator provided at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** Priority: Intermediate
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Observed: No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Operator has bought new MFDV and has not submitted plans for unit. MFDV has a storage unit that is not movable next to it. Storage unit holds 2 white chest reach in freezers and 1 reach in cooler. Unwashed produce,bottle drinks and other food items are being stored as well. Priority: Intermediate
51-16-7
Intermediate - Observed: Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled with clear liquid. Priority: Intermediate
41-17-4
Basic - Observed: Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave in kitchen. Priority: Basic
22-08-4
Basic - Observed: Mobile food dispensing vehicle is utilizing storage unit not self-propelled or otherwise movable from place to place to hold and prep food. Storage unit holds 2 white chest reach in freezers and 1 reach in cooler. Unwashed produce,bottle drinks and other food items are being stored as well. Priority: Basic
51-36-1
Basic - Observed: Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Water bottle on dry storage shelf above food for establishment in storage unit next to MFDV. Priority: Basic
12B-07-4
29
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taco's El Tuzo last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taco's El Tuzo on file is from Mar 27, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taco's El Tuzo?
Across the inspection record, “time/temperature control for safety food cold held” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Taco's El Tuzo.
How does Taco's El Tuzo compare to other restaurants in Tampa?
Taco's El Tuzo most recently scored 67 out of 100, which is lower than the Tampa average of 79.
Has Taco's El Tuzo's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Taco's El Tuzo have averaged around eight violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Taco's El Tuzo 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's El Tuzo inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taco's El Tuzo is inspected around four times per year on average.
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