The Floribbean Eatery and Catering
Last inspected: Mar 16, 2026
32
Score
The Floribbean Eatery and Catering has been inspected eight times since 2023. The latest inspection on file is from Mar 16, 2026. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around 12 violations per visit versus roughly eight violations earlier in the record.
When inspectors have written things up, “reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface” has been the most frequent reason, cited three times.
The city-wide average sits at 77, which The Floribbean Eatery and Catering's 32 doesn't quite reach. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.
8
Inspections
3
Critical latest
2
Major latest
10
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 16, 2026
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked quinoa 55F at front counter reach-in cooler. Operator placed into reach-in cooler to cool. Discussed with operator to fill metal pans at lip to maintain cold holding temperature. Butter at front counter next to press at 70F. Operator placed back into cold holding unit to cool back down. Discussed utilizing time to hold butter at four hour increments. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. License expired 2-1-2026. **Warning**
50-17-3
High Priority - Establishment using a sanitizer solution that does not meet the requirements specified in 40 CFR 180. Only use single-service items to serve food to customers until approved sanitizer is available for warewashing. Establishment utilizing chlorine sanitizer marked for keeping whites brighten and disinfect and deodorizes as a sanitizer for washing dishes in three- compartment sink. Discussed with operator to utilize correct bleach and single service items until correct bleach is purchased. **Warning**
22-48-5
Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Operator Salvatore Merola expired. No other CFM or employees present **Warning**
53A-03-7
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled spray bottle stored at front counter. Discussed with operator to label bottle with contents. Operator labeled the chemical. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-17-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Reach-in cooler shelves rusted and pitted **Warning**
14-33-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Single service items stored on the floor in front of non operational reach-in coolers in the rear. **Warning**
25-05-4
Basic - Damaged/spoiled/recalled food not properly segregated. Dented cans of coconut milk stored with undamaged cans. Operator identified that he was the one to dent the cans earlier during the shift. Discussed with operator removing contents and storing after date marking and cold holding. **Warning**
08B-20-4
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Coffee creamer observed in standing reach-in cooler not segregated from food for establishment. **Warning**
08B-49-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floors heavily soiled with grease and debris under ovens and fryers. **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. Buildup of grease on hood system above cook line **Warning**
36-68-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of oven and microwave with accumulation of excess debris. **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Bottom shelves of prep tables with debris and rust **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Objectionable odors in bathroom or other areas of the establishment. Objectionable odor in rear of establishment near bathrooms. **Warning**
36-64-5
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Open drink in cooler at front counter. **Warning**
12B-13-4
32
Aug 11, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. From front counter. Operator placed items in reach-in freezer at front counter. Re checked temps a. cooked corn (51F - Cold Holding); 45f b. shredded cheese (55F - Cold Holding) 48f **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Establishment using a sanitizer solution that does not meet the requirements specified in 40 CFR 180. Only use single-service items to serve food to customers until approved sanitizer is available for warewashing. Establishment using chlorine bleach labeled keeps whites brighten and disinfect and deodorizes as a sanitizer for washing dishes in three-compartment sink. **Admin Complaint**
22-48-5
Intermediate - Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Located next to three-compartment sink.
31B-05-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
16-37-1
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. 1. Robert Spivey hired over 60 days go.
53B-02-5
Intermediate - No proof provided that recently hired food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.
11-26-1
Intermediate - Spray bottle located on table near three-compartment sink containing toxic all purpose degreaser substance not labeled. Employee labeled spray bottle degreaser. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
Basic - Unpackaged food in an unprotected holding unit in a customer/nonsecure area. Cooked tcs foods stored in refrigerator in dining area with access to the public not secured. **Repeat Violation**
08B-63-4
Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.
36-02-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Establishment is displaying expired license. 02-01-2024.
50-09-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone on top of prep table in kitchen.
40-06-5
Basic - Employee serving food at front counter with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
13-03-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Torn gasket on left side of reach-in cooler door. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Gas oven used more than 24 hours ago is soiled with grease and buildup.
22-08-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-33-4
29
Feb 5, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
50
Aug 7, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shell eggs in refrigerator in kitchen stored above ready-to-eat sauces. Operator placed eggs on bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Home Depot bucket used to store broth in walk-in cooler.
14-15-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Water hose connected to water faucet near three-compartment sink without vacuum breaker. **Repeat Violation**
29-34-4
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.
53B-02-5
Basic - Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover on bottom shelf of prep table in kitchen.
14-20-4
Basic - Unpackaged food in an unprotected holding unit in a customer/nonsecure area. **Repeat Violation**
08B-63-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Torn gasket on reach-in cooler door in kitchen.
14-11-5
Basic - Reach-in cooler in kitchen has shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Repeat Violation**
14-33-4
45
Apr 1, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
50
Dec 18, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
55
Apr 11, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Near 3 compartment sink
29-34-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
13-03-4
82
Jan 26, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used
FL-32
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
45
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Floribbean Eatery and Catering last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Floribbean Eatery and Catering on file is from Mar 16, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Floribbean Eatery and Catering?
Across the inspection record, “reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at The Floribbean Eatery and Catering.
How does The Floribbean Eatery and Catering compare to other restaurants in St. Petersburg?
The Floribbean Eatery and Catering most recently scored 32 out of 100, which is lower than the St. Petersburg average of 77.
Has The Floribbean Eatery and Catering's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at The Floribbean Eatery and Catering have averaged around 12 violations per visit, up from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at The Floribbean Eatery and Catering 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 Floribbean Eatery and Catering inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Floribbean Eatery and Catering is inspected around three times per year on average.
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