Tijuana Flats
Last inspected: Feb 18, 2026
100
Score
Inspectors have visited Tijuana Flats 12 times, with records going back to 2022. Tijuana Flats was last inspected on Feb 18, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near five violations per visit across recent inspections.
When inspectors have written things up, “establishment has no written procedures for employees” has been the most frequent reason, cited four times.
Among Lutz restaurants, the typical score is 80; Tijuana Flats is comfortably above that bar. The record reflects steady performance over time.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 18, 2026
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Dec 19, 2025
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Handwash sink blocked by a large container of tortilla chips at kitchen. Operator relocated chips away from handwash sink. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. **Warning**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. Manon Mozingo is the food manager on duty. **Warning**
53A-02-7
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. **Warning**
51-13-4
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. A fountained of tortilla chips stored on floor in kitchen. Operator moved to shelf. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-47-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. At front service counter. **Warning**
36-22-4
64
May 23, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Tested at 0ppm. Manager replaced sanitizer bottle, tested at 200ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
22-43-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Sanitizer bucket in front counter hand sink. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Keys on prep table across from ice machine. Operator removed keys. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Female employee with no hair restraint.
13-03-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Dust buildup on ice machine vent screen. Food residue buildup observed under nozzles on soda fountain.
23-03-4
Basic - Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Employee washed jalapeños, placed back into original box. Employee rehashed the jalapeños, placed into plastic container. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-39-4
Basic - Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Observed on prep surface. Operator moved to lower shelf **Corrected On-Site**
21-44-1
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Water draining onto floor from front counter hand sink. Employee stated repairs are scheduled for today. **Corrective Action Taken**
29-11-4
55
Jan 10, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Medicine stored above reach in cooler across from ice machine. Employee removed. **Corrected On-Site**
41-07-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards on reach in cooler have built up food debris.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand wash sink in prep area has utensils in it. Employee removed. **Corrected On-Site**
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
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Employee beverage in walk in cooler above food to be served to the public.
12B-13-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
13-03-4
Basic - In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Handle of scoops for cheese touching the cheese. Employee stored correctly. **Corrected On-Site**
10-06-5
55
Jun 24, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Elit Medina 10/18/23 only CFM for location **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-24: Elit Medina expired 10/18/23 **Admin Complaint**
53A-03-7
90
Apr 19, 2024
Routine - Food
4 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Elit Medina 10/18/23 only CFM for location **Warning**
53A-03-7
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Storing container in hand washing sink on cookline. manager removed container. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. By 3-compartment sink.Manager replaced towels **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. By 3- compartment sink. manager replaced soap **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice.
10-08-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Bottom of soda head on frontline.
23-03-4
61
Dec 13, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Dec 12, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations.
View 3 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Walk in cooler Cold holding: queso 44 f rice 44 f beef 44 f chicken 44 f cut tomatoes 44 f manager moved all time/temperature control for safety food to back of walk in cooler were the food temperature was 43 f 2nd temp cut tomatoes 44 f queso 44 f shrimp 44 f **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-12: Cold holding walk in cooler ambient air temperature 43 f back of cooler 43 f front of the cooler 47 f. Queso 46 f 75lbs cook rice 46f 75 lbs chicken 46 f 60 lbs raw shrimp 46 f 7lbs cilantro 46 f 1 lbs cut tomatoes 46 f 5 lbs 10 lbs cook beef 46 f 75lbs cooked chicken shredded 40 lbs raw beef 46 f 120 lbs Raw beef logs 45 f 80 lbs speed rack pans cook blackened chicken 45f 50 lbs cheese wraps 45 f 2lbs raw chicken 45 f 60 lbs cooked rice 46 f 30 lbs cook beef 30 lbs. pop corn chicken cook chicken 46 f 15 lbs Bagged lettuce 45 f sour cream 45 f chicken nuggets in package 43 f cheese jack in bags 45 f discussed with manager to place ice bags on the packaged items or move to a different cooling unit. Calibration of thermometer with manager. Manager showed clip board to inspector of temperatures taken but only shows time the outside of the cooler was check. Manager was unable to determine the times of when food was prepped without date marks.**Admin Complaint**. **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-12: **Time Extended**
11-27-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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/ 4 employees. No food manager **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-12-12: 6 employees no food manager **Time Extended**
53A-05-6
70
Dec 11, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Walk in cooler Cold holding: queso 44 f rice 44 f beef 44 f chicken 44 f cut tomatoes 44 f manager moved all time/temperature control for safety food to back of walk in cooler were the food temperature was 43 f 2nd temp cut tomatoes 44 f queso 44 f shrimp 44 f **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. **Warning**
11-27-4
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/ 4 employees. No food manager **Warning**
53A-05-6
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Manager restocked **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. White substance by single service shelf manager placed label **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-17-4
Basic - Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Tested at 10 ppm retested to 200 ppm **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
21-08-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Chip plastic containers in reach in cooler on main prep **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. By mop sink management was drying water **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
36-22-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Mozzarella mix cheese reach in cooler employee Removed to proper storage **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-01-5
47
Apr 27, 2023
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Sanitizer bucket >500ppm quaternary. Manager fixed to 400ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
41-27-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Beef 45F Chicken 46F in walk in cooler. Manager put items on ice. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food thermometer(s) not calibrated according to manufacturer's specifications. Calibrated thermometer with manager. Thermometer reads 30F, supposed to be 32F. Managers thermometer is 2 degrees off.
05-07-4
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.
11-26-1
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Two unlabeled spray bottles. Manager states it is degreaser. Manager labeled. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Walk in cooler shelves soiled. Walk in cooler fan guards soiled.
23-03-4
47
Dec 1, 2022
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Jul 25, 2022
Complaint Full
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Hot water at 85 F in front counter area - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-25: Hot Water at hand sink on front fine 91F **Time Extended**
27-16-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine in food prep area - manager in process of cleaning ice machine at end of inspection **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-25: Soiled interior of ice machine **Time Extended**
22-20-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees in employee restroom. - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-25: No hand wash sign in women's bathroom. **Time Extended**
31B-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -Soiled outer area of ice bin at front counter area - employee cleaned - soiled outer area of chip holder - employee cleaned **Corrected On-Site** - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-25: Mold like substance on ice bin on front line. Soiled outer area of chip drawer. **Time Extended**
23-03-4
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tijuana Flats last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Tijuana Flats on file is from Feb 18, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Tijuana Flats?
Across the inspection record, “establishment has no written procedures for employees” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Tijuana Flats.
How does Tijuana Flats compare to other restaurants in Lutz?
Tijuana Flats most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Lutz average of 80.
Has Tijuana Flats' inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Tijuana Flats have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Tijuana Flats 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 Tijuana Flats inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Tijuana Flats is inspected around three times per year on average.
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