The French Cafe
Last inspected: Mar 18, 2026
90
Score
Public records show 12 inspections at The French Cafe stretching back to 2022. The French Cafe was last inspected on Mar 18, 2026. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near eight violations per visit.
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing seven times across the record.
The French Cafe's latest score of 90 sits above the Winter Garden average of 66. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 18, 2026
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements.License states 40 but establishment 65 seats. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-18: **Time Extended**
51-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present.Middle of back door and base of front door.Repeat Violation** **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-18: **Time Extended**
35B-05-4
90
Mar 13, 2026
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 2 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 19 violations
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours.Pasta,47 f,cooling from last night. **Warning**
03D-02-5
High Priority - Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled clean gloves without washing hands. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12A-27-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food.Raw shell eggs stored over butter in walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse.Pasta,47 f held from last night. **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.Mop sink. **Warning**
29-42-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit.Pistachio cream,45 f,chocolate pastry,45 f ,milk,44 f held less than four hours.Technician has been called. **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection.Pasta was covered from cooling last night. **Warning**
03D-15-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. White cutting board is stained. Dishwashing racks are soiled. Waffle maker,grill press,egg maker have a residue build up, **Warning**
22-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Warning**
16-21-4
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.Restrooms. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
32-04-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food.Cheese at cooks line. **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Clean bowls and spoons not stored inverted or in a protected manner. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
24-05-4
Basic - Dish storage shelves have accumulation of soil residues. **Warning**
22-16-4
Basic - Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements.License states 40 but establishment 65 seats. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
51-09-4
Basic - Hole in wall by dishmachine area and wall is in disrepair by mop sink area. **Warning**
36-24-5
Basic - Interior of microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets are soiled at the front line area. Wall is soiled by the dishmachine area. Fans in walk in cooler are dusty. **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. **Warning**
16-46-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present.Middle of back door and base of front door.Repeat Violation** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
35B-05-4
19
Oct 17, 2025
Complaint Full
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-16: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-17: Men's restroom door is not closing properly. **Time Extended**
32-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Establishment increased seating without providing written approval from the local fire authority and wastewater provider.License states 40.Establishment has 65 seats. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-16: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-17: **Time Extended**
51-15-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable.Walk in freezer. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-16: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-17: **Time Extended**
36-11-4
86
Oct 16, 2025
Complaint Full
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. White cutting board is stained. Interior of sprayer hosed is soiled. Residue build up around the coffee nozzles. Coffee nozzle has a residue build up. Slicer is encrusted. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-16: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-16: **Time Extended**
32-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-16: **Time Extended**
50-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Establishment increased seating without providing written approval from the local fire authority and wastewater provider.License states 40.Establishment has 65 seats. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-16: **Time Extended**
51-15-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable.Walk in freezer. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-16: **Time Extended**
36-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of oven has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-16: **Time Extended**
22-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Exterior of grill press is soiled. Fans are soiled in the walk in cooler. Vents are soiled throughout the establishment. Floor has a grease residue behind the cooking equipment. Top back of fryer cabinets are soiled. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-16: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
67
Aug 18, 2025
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 14 minor violations.
View 17 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food.Bechammel stored next to raw ready to eat smoked salmon **Warning**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. White cutting board is stained. Interior of sprayer hosed is soiled. Residue build up around the coffee nozzles. Coffee nozzle has a residue build up. Slicer is encrusted. **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory.Egg Benedict and smoked salmon. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02B-01-5
Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable.Walk in freezer. **Warning**
36-11-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-20-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit.Crepe stick. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-07-4
Basic - Interior of oven has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Exterior of grill press is soiled. Fans are soiled in the walk in cooler. Vents are soiled throughout the establishment. Floor has a grease residue behind the cooking equipment. Top back of fryer cabinets are soiled. **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Warning**
14-17-4
Basic - Accumulation of substance in the interior of the ice machine. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. **Warning**
32-04-4
Basic - Clean dishes stored on a dirty shelf next to ice machine. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
24-06-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Warning**
50-09-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored next to single service items in the front line area. **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food.Bracelet. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
13-07-4
Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
13-04-4
Basic - Establishment increased seating without providing written approval from the local fire authority and wastewater provider.License states 40.Establishment has 65 seats. **Warning**
51-15-4
35
Mar 19, 2025
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. White cutting board is stained. Small green cutting board is stained. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-21: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-19: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of oven has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-21: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-19: **Time Extended**
22-08-4
86
Jan 21, 2025
Food-Licensing Inspection
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. White cutting board is stained. Small green cutting board is stained. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-21: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - 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/. Operated added an ice machine,walk in freezer and prep area added. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-21: **Time Extended**
51-16-7
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of oven has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-21: **Time Extended**
22-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present.Middle of back door. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-21: **Time Extended**
35B-05-4
74
Jan 16, 2025
Food-Licensing Inspection
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours.Potatoes,51 f cooling from yesterday. **Warning**
03D-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse.Potatoes,51 f,cooling from yesterday. **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit.Mascarpone ,45 f,sausage ,46 f,butter,46 f held less than four hours transferred to walk in freezer for a quick chill. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection.Cooked potatoes are stacked too high. **Warning**
03D-15-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. White cutting board is stained. Small green cutting board is stained. **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - 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/. Operated added an ice machine,walk in freezer and prep area added. **Warning**
51-16-7
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled.Sanitizer. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-17-4
Basic - Clean dishes not stored inverted or in a protected manner. **Warning**
24-05-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. **Warning**
13-03-4
Basic - Holes in wall by kitchen area. **Warning**
36-24-5
Basic - Interior of oven has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in cold holding unit.Outside reach in cooler. **Warning**
05-09-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Interior of fryer cabinet is soiled. Vents are soiled in kitchen area. Wall is soiled by three comp sink atea **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present.Middle of back door. **Warning**
35B-05-4
Basic - Sanitizer bucket stored next to clean utensils at front line area. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
21-44-1
Basic - Unwashed strawberries stored over cannoli cream in walk in cooler. **Warning**
08B-17-4
27
May 15, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food.
12A-07-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. -Raw shell eggs over dressing in walk in cooler. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. -Pitcher in hand sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Juice packaged in the establishment that has not been specifically processed to prevent, reduce, or eliminate the presence of pathogens not bearing a warning label. -Orange juice made in house.
02D-12-1
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
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. -Employee hat stored over cook line. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. License states 40. Currently 53 seats. **Repeat Violation**
51-09-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. -Case of meat in walk in freezer.
08B-38-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. -Unused ovens.
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -Dry storage shelving.
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. -Standing water in prep cooler on cook line.
22-16-4
Basic - Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover. To left of ovens.
14-20-4
Basic - Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. **Corrected On-Site**
21-10-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine. **Corrected On-Site**
16-03-4
33
Dec 1, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 7 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 19 violations
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours.Butter that was heat treated,47 f held from yesterday.Stop Sale.
03D-02-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shell eggs stored over muffins in walk in cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse.
01B-02-5
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection.Butter was covered while cooling.
03D-15-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Mixer head is soiled. Green cutting board is soiled. Inside fryer cabinets are soiled.
22-02-4
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ **Repeat Violation**
53A-05-6
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.Daniel Medina. **Repeat Violation**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Nonfood-grade brush used in food.Coffee machine. **Repeat Violation**
14-14-4
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.Fabiosa. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. **Repeat Violation**
32-04-4
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food.Watch. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
13-07-4
Basic - Employee with ineffective hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
13-02-4
Basic - Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements.License states 40 but establishment has 57 seats. **Repeat Violation**
51-09-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Interior and side of fryer cabinets. Walk in cooler and walk in freezer gaskets are soiled. Vents are dusty in back line area.
23-03-4
Basic - Potatoes not washed prior to preparation.
08B-39-4
Basic - Sanitizer bucket stored next to foil in kitchen under prep table. **Corrected On-Site**
21-44-1
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination.Lids at front line area. **Corrected On-Site**
25-06-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
20
Jul 11, 2023
Routine - Food
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-12: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2023-07-11: **Time Extended**
32-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Multiple color cutting boards deeply grooved stored next to dishmachine **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-12: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2023-07-11: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Establishment increased seating without providing written approval from the local fire authority and wastewater provider.Establishment license states 40 but there are 57 seats **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-12: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2023-07-11: **Time Extended**
51-15-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall over walk-in **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-12: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2023-07-11: **Time Extended**
36-24-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Fan covers walk in cooler soiled Inside bottom of fryer soiled. Exterior panini press soiled. Gaskets soiled walk in freezer **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-12: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2023-07-11: Fan in walk in cooler is soiled.All other violation complied. **Time Extended**
23-03-4
78
Dec 8, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. **Repeat Violation**
29-34-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Utensils in hand sink in kitchen. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
05-08-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
12B-07-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Bread boxes on floor In walk-in freezer. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Operator pored water out. **Corrected On-Site**
10-07-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Single service containers stored on floor in dry storage. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
25-05-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. **Corrected On-Site**
21-12-4
55
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The French Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The French Cafe on file is from Mar 18, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The French Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at The French Cafe.
How does The French Cafe compare to other restaurants in Winter Garden?
The French Cafe most recently scored 90 out of 100, which is higher than the Winter Garden average of 66.
Has The French Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The French Cafe have averaged around eight violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at The French Cafe means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is The French Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The French Cafe is inspected around four times per year on average.
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