The Alligator Shack

78 Canal St, Miami Springs, FL 33166
Seafood
Last inspected: Mar 19, 2026
37
Score
High Risk

Public records show 10 inspections at The Alligator Shack stretching back to 2022. The most recent visit was on Mar 19, 2026. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.

The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around six violations, down from roughly eight violations earlier in the record.

“Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing four times across the record.

Restaurants in Miami Springs average 78, so The Alligator Shack trails the local norm. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.

10
Inspections
1
Critical latest
3
Major latest
11
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 19, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed a bottle of hydrogen peroxide stored on prep shelf next to ingredients. An employee removed bottle. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-07-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed white cutting board at kitchen area soiled. **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Observed eggs on menu not identified as raw product. **Warning**
02B-01-5
Intermediate - Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Observed no consumer advisory post anywhere at establishment. I printed advisory and operator posted advisory. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02B-02-5
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed CO tank at bar area not secured. **Warning**
51-11-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed a hole in ceiling above kitchen entrance. **Warning**
36-32-5
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed metal pots on shelf at warewashing area not inverted. **Warning**
24-05-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed license displayed is from October 1st, 2025. **Warning**
50-09-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed a case of fry oil on the floor at rear area. **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Garbage not placed in a receptacle for storage until pick up to make the garbage inaccessible to insects and rodents. Observed used cardboard boxes and used cases of fry oil in back patio area and not in dumpster.employee began placing items in dumpster. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
33-09-4
Basic - In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Observed at reach in cooler by microwave a knife stored in a container of raw chicken. Employee removed knife **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-06-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave at kitchen area soiled with food. Employee cleaned microwave. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed at glass door reach in cooler no ambient thermometer. Operator placed an ambient thermometer in unit. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
05-09-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed exterior of reach in cooler near prep sink soiled with debris. Observed soda gun nozzle at bar area soiled. Employee began soaking soda gun to clean. Soda gun was cleaned.**Corrected On-Site** **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed interior of reach in cooler at grill soiled with debris. **Warning**
22-16-4
37
Nov 6, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Oct 23, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-23: At time of callback inspection observed No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Time Extended**
53B-01-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed Coca Cola reach in cooler gasket torn in kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-23: At time of callback inspection Observed Coca Cola reach in cooler gasket torn in kitchen. **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed light missing shield inside kitchen. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-23: At time of callback inspection Observed light missing shield inside kitchen. **Time Extended**
38-07-4
82
Aug 22, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef by mashed potatoes inside reach in cooler in kitchen. Operator stored foods as per safety protocols. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed Coca Cola reach in cooler gasket torn in kitchen. **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water in front of reach in cooler. Operator removed water and dried floor. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
36-22-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed plastic bottles of water stored on kitchen floor. Operator removed bottles of water. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on oven handle in kitchen. Operator removed tongs. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-20-4
Basic - Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Observed flies tape over prep table in kitchen. Operator removed tape. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
35B-02-4
Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed light missing shield inside kitchen. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
38-07-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed by Coca Cola reach in cooler. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31B-04-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Operator closed dumpster lid. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
33-16-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar container unlabeled by coffee machine. Operator labeled container. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
02D-01-5
50
Mar 11, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs over cheese inside reach in cooler by kitchen entrance. Operator stored food correctly. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed in front and back of building.
29-34-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle with degreaser unlabeled in ware washing area. Operator labeled bottle. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed inside Bar.
51-11-4
Basic - Clean equipment/utensils not stored at least 6 inches above the floor. Observed clean containers stored on kitchen floor. Operator removed them from floor. **Corrected On-Site**
24-26-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed microwave handle missing on shelf in kitchen.
14-11-5
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed inside Bar. Operator stored scoop handle up. **Corrected On-Site**
10-08-5
Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed missing shields inside kitchen.
38-07-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at hand washing stations throughout kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
31B-04-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed liquid eggs container uncovered inside reach in cooler. Operator covered container. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar container unlabeled in kitchen. Operator labeled container. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
45
Sep 20, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no Chlorine test kit. **Repeat Violation**
16-37-1
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. **Repeat Violation**
36-73-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed inside kitchen.
31B-04-4
82
Mar 28, 2024
Food-Licensing Inspection
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
70
Apr 21, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed by reach in cooler inside kitchen. Operator provided it. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed inside reach in cooler. Operator cut bags. **Corrected On-Site**
06-09-1
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed inside small white reach in freezer by hand sink inside kitchen.
14-69-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled reach in cooler gaskets throughout kitchen.
23-03-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed fish thawing in standing water inside kitchen. Operator stored fish under running water. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
70
Mar 2, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 15 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed License Expired since October 1st, 2022. **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Repeat Violation**
16-21-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed CO2 tanks not secured inside Bar. **Repeat Violation**
51-11-4
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed inside reach in cooler in kitchen. Operator cut the bags. **Corrected On-Site**
06-09-1
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee engaged with food preparation without hair restraint. Operator provided a hair net to employee. **Corrected On-Site**
13-03-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed plastic bottles of water stored on dry storage floor on second floor. Operator removed them from floor. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer. Observed inside white reach in freezer by hand sink inside kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in standing water over steam table in kitchen. Operator removed water. **Corrected On-Site**
10-07-4
Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster.
33-11-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled reach in cooler gaskets throughout kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed inside stand reach in freezer in kitchen.
22-16-4
Basic - Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed scoops faces up on prep table inside kitchen. Operator put them faces down. **Repeat Violation**
24-18-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed inside reach in cooler by ware washing area. **Repeat Violation**
29-49-6
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed meatloaf container not covered inside reach in cooler in kitchen. Operator covered container. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Observed bucket with sanitizer stored on kitchen floor. Operator removed it from floor. **Corrected On-Site**
21-38-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar container inside Bar. Operator labeled it. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
41
Aug 2, 2022
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 12 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed pastas not date marked inside reach in cooler. As per Chef pastas were cooked last Saturday July 30th, 2022. Chef labeled them. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-02-5
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
16-21-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed CO2 tanks not secured inside Bar.
51-11-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed dust on ceiling around ceiling vent by kitchen entrance.
36-34-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed plastic bottles of water stored on kitchen floor. Employee removed them from floor. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer. Observed white reach in freezer by hand sink inside kitchen, and white reach in freezer by Ice machine. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed inside soda machine at Bar. Employee stored scoop correctly. **Corrected On-Site**
10-08-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed inside Men's restroom.
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled reach in coolers gaskets inside kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed cup holder box stored on dry storage floor on second floor. Chef removed box from floor. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
25-05-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed inside reach in coolers by kitchen entrance, and by steam table inside kitchen.
29-49-6
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar container inside Bar. Employee labeled it. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Chef closed dumpster lid. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
33-16-4
50

Frequently Asked Questions

When was The Alligator Shack last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at The Alligator Shack on file is from Mar 19, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at The Alligator Shack?

Across the inspection record, “carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at The Alligator Shack.

How does The Alligator Shack compare to other restaurants in Miami Springs?

The Alligator Shack most recently scored 37 out of 100, which is lower than the Miami Springs average of 78.

Has The Alligator Shack's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at The Alligator Shack have averaged around six violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at The Alligator Shack 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 The Alligator Shack inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, The Alligator Shack is inspected around three times per year on average.