The Surf Restaurant Bar Grill & Motel
Last inspected: Oct 7, 2025
74
Score
Inspectors have visited The Surf Restaurant Bar Grill & Motel 13 times, with records going back to 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated Oct 7, 2025. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around five violations across recent inspections versus roughly eight violations before.
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris” comes up most often, recorded three times in the inspection record.
Compared to the broader Amelia Island restaurant scene, where the average is 70, this is a stronger showing. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
13
Inspections
2
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 7, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations.
View 2 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Operator ROP fish in-house and stored walk in cooler. Fish was placed from walk in freezer to thaw with prep date 8-1-25 and has no prep time. Fish is now completely thawed. Stop sale issued for 5 pieces of raw ROP fish. Provided operator with ROP handout **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-07: 13 packs of Mahi Tuna 9/29 fully thawed while still in packaging in walk in cooler stop sale 30 packs of Ahi Tuna 9/29 fully thawed while still in packaging in walk in cooler stop sale. 2 packs of yellow fish Tuna fully thawed while still in packaging in reach in cooler on cook line in cooler **Admin Complaint**
01B-13-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. 2 pans of homemade queso sauce with prep date 7-30-25 stored in walk in cooler. Verified correct prep date with manager. Stop sale issued. Manager discarded **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-07: Ranch dated 9/22 stop sale Alfredo Dated 9/10 stop sale In walk in cooler **Admin Complaint**
01B-24-5
74
Aug 6, 2025
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over canned/bottled drinks. Prep raw chicken stored over Gatorade drink in walk in cooler. Moved by manager. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-11-5
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. 2 pans of homemade queso sauce with prep date 7-30-25 stored in walk in cooler. Verified correct prep date with manager. Stop sale issued. Manager discarded **Warning**
02C-01-5
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. 2 pans of homemade queso sauce with prep date 7-30-25 stored in walk in cooler. Verified correct prep date with manager. Stop sale issued. Manager discarded **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
01B-24-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Operator ROP fish in-house and stored walk in cooler. Fish was placed from walk in freezer to thaw with prep date 8-1-25 and has no prep time. Fish is now completely thawed. Stop sale issued for 5 pieces of raw ROP fish. Provided operator with ROP handout **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
01B-13-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Missing back flow preventer at spigot on wall on cook line. Missing back flow preventer on exterior wall outside near manager office **Warning**
29-34-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Operator has no chemical test strips **Repeat Violation**
16-37-1
Intermediate - Operator is doing a special process, conducting reduced oxygen packaging, cooking time/temperature control for safety food to a time and temperature combination lesser than those in the Food Code or operating a molluscan shellfish tank for human consumption without a HACCP plan approved by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Operator ROP fish in-house and stored in walk in cooler. Fish was placed from walk in freezer to thaw with prep date 8-1-25 and has no prep time. Fish is now completely thawed. Stop sale issued for 5 pieces of raw ROP fish. Provided operator with ROP handout **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
03G-50-1
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor behind cooking equipment's on cook line **Repeat Violation**
36-73-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee radio on prep table
40-06-5
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Hand wash sink in kitchen leaking at faucet **Repeat Violation**
29-11-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in freezer gasket soiled Exterior of fryer with grease build up
23-03-4
Basic - In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Tongs handle stored touching hush puppies in reach in cooler. Moved by manager. **Corrected On-Site**
10-06-5
30
Oct 24, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Sep 9, 2024
Routine - Food
8 critical violations. 6 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 24 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. On cook line in kitchen, two pans of coleslaw stored overnight 50F. See stop sale.
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. On cook line in kitchen, two pans of coleslaw stored overnight 50F. See stop sale.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. 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. In walk in cooler, ten (10) pieces of thawed raw tuna in sealed ROP. See stop sale. Fish not held frozen before, during and after being packaged onsite using a reduced oxygen packaging method. See stop sale. In walk in cooler, six (6) pieces of vacuum sealed on site raw salmon.
01B-13-4
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. In walk in cooler, one pan of prepared queso dip dated 9/2. See stop sale. In walk in cooler, one pan of prepared pasta dated 8/30. See stop sale.
01B-24-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In walk in cooler, pans of raw fish stored over ready to eat grits. Items moved and stored correctly. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. One live fly observed in back kitchen.
35A-02-6
High Priority - Fish not held frozen before, during and after being packaged onsite using a reduced oxygen packaging method. See stop sale. In walk in cooler, six (6) pieces of vacuum sealed on site raw salmon.
03G-04-5
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. In dry food storage area, seven (7) cans of beans are rusted.
01B-01-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Interior of cheesemelter on cook line. Manager states equipment being removed. **Corrective Action Taken**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test kit for dishwasher in kitchen. Manager ordered strips during inspection. **Corrective Action Taken**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Far hand washing sink in outdoor bar. Towels provided. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Hand washing sink at far end of outdoor bar. Soap provided. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Operator is doing a special process, conducting reduced oxygen packaging, cooking time/temperature control for safety food to a time and temperature combination lesser than those in the Food Code or operating a molluscan shellfish tank for human consumption without a HACCP plan approved by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Establishment is vacuum sealing raw salmon. **Warning**
03G-50-1
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. Missing for one prep cook in kitchen.
53B-13-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Hand washing sink at end of bar. Hand washing sink in men's large restroom. Hand washing sink in women's large restroom. Inspector emailed Form 5030-111 (Hand Washing Sign). **Corrective Action Taken**
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact equipment exposed to splash/spillage not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. Multiple wire shelves throughout kitchen are rusted. White chest freezer in outdoor service bar is rusted.
14-47-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Clean storage pans stored on rack/shelf near dish area.
16-46-4
Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Floor in outside bars and storage areas.
36-02-5
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Pipe behind dish machine in kitchen. Reach in cooler pipe in bar.
29-11-4
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. In walk in cooler, ten (10) pieces of thawed raw tuna in sealed ROP. See stop sale.
06-09-1
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License displayed expired 06/01/2024.
50-09-4
Basic - Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Employee coffee cup on prep table in kitchen without lid. Drink discarded. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-12-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. One prep cook working with food in kitchen. Cook placed hat on. **Corrected On-Site**
13-03-4
Basic - Floors, walls, and/or ceilings soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor under cooking equipment in kitchen.
36-73-4
10
Jul 10, 2024
Complaint Full
No violations found.
100
Jul 9, 2024
Complaint Full
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Approximately 35 rodent droppings on top of dishwasher Approximately 30 rodent droppings under dishwasher Approximately 10 rodent droppings under triple sink Approximately 40 rodent droppings under oven in prep area 6 rodent droppings on top of oven in prep area 2 rodent droppings on top of boxed wine in dry storage area (sherry California) Approximately 10 droppings under dry storage rack under balsamic vinegar 5 droppings under black rolling charts near ice machine Approximately 30 droppings in corner of ice tea making area. Approximately 75 behind warmers in back prep area near ice cream freezer Approximately 20 droppings in back prep area pizza area Approximately 7dropping in wait station next to small bar Approximately 5 droppings under handsink in large bar **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-09: 5 rodent droppings under diswasher 3 rodent droppings under handsink 5 rodent droppings under rack next to triple sink dish area 10 rodent droppings back dry storage area 5 rodent dropping in back pizza area **Admin Complaint**
35A-04-4
86
Jul 8, 2024
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Chemical spray bottle stored on prep area near soup warmers **Warning**
41-10-4
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Approximately 35 rodent droppings on top of dishwasher Approximately 30 rodent droppings under dishwasher Approximately 10 rodent droppings under triple sink Approximately 40 rodent droppings under oven in prep area 6 rodent droppings on top of oven in prep area 2 rodent droppings on top of boxed wine in dry storage area (sherry California) Approximately 10 droppings under dry storage rack under balsamic vinegar 5 droppings under black rolling charts near ice machine Approximately 30 droppings in corner of ice tea making area. Approximately 75 behind warmers in back prep area near ice cream freezer Approximately 20 droppings in back prep area pizza area Approximately 7dropping in wait station next to small bar Approximately 5 droppings under handsink in large bar **Warning**
35A-04-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Valu- Check chemical spray bottle with no label With pink substance inside **Warning**
41-17-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Cup stored in flour mix In back dry storage area **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Personal drinks stored on prep tables **Warning**
12B-07-4
61
May 13, 2024
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Faucets at handsink in triple sink area **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-05-13: Still needs repair **Time Extended**
29-08-4
95
Mar 11, 2024
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Intermediate - No certified food manager for establishment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ **Warning**
53A-07-6
Intermediate - No hot running water at three-compartment sink. Repair came and replaced bad Parton unit. Hot water available **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
27-06-4
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Throughout restaurant Repairman came and fixed part **Warning**
27-16-4
Basic - Waste line missing at soda gun holster. At bar **Warning**
29-17-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Faucets at handsink in triple sink area **Warning**
29-08-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Handsink in kitchen **Warning**
31B-04-4
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Between lids of cooler **Warning**
10-17-4
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Cases of chicken on walk in freezer floor **Warning**
08B-47-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. **Warning**
16-46-4
55
Nov 27, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Ice machine and soda gun. Soiled - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-27: Needs Cleaned **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-27: **Time Extended**
53B-14-5
82
Nov 15, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. 0 ppms,
22-41-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Ice machine and soda gun. Soiled
22-02-4
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
53B-14-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Multiple spray bottles with out labels
41-17-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Personal drink over prep table moved **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
61
Feb 9, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Collard greens 45-49, moved to freezer to get down 41f **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
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. Tuna and talpia
06-09-1
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Personal drinks on prep, moved **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
78
Sep 21, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
70
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Surf Restaurant Bar Grill & Motel last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Surf Restaurant Bar Grill & Motel on file is from Oct 7, 2025. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Surf Restaurant Bar Grill & Motel?
Across the inspection record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at The Surf Restaurant Bar Grill & Motel.
How does The Surf Restaurant Bar Grill & Motel compare to other restaurants in Amelia Island?
The Surf Restaurant Bar Grill & Motel most recently scored 74 out of 100, which is higher than the Amelia Island average of 70.
Has The Surf Restaurant Bar Grill & Motel's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at The Surf Restaurant Bar Grill & Motel have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at The Surf Restaurant Bar Grill & Motel 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 The Surf Restaurant Bar Grill & Motel inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Surf Restaurant Bar Grill & Motel is inspected around four times per year on average.
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