Top of the Gulf Surf Shack

8817 S Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408

Seafood

Last inspected: Mar 17, 2026

100

Score

Low Risk

Across the available record, Top of the Gulf Surf Shack has seven inspections on file, the first dated 2022. On Mar 17, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.

Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near two violations each time.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “drain cover(s) missing”, showing up two times.

The city-wide average for Panama City Beach sits at 84, putting Top of the Gulf Surf Shack on the better side of that line. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Mar 17, 2026

Food-Licensing Inspection

No violations found.

100

Mar 19, 2025

Food-Licensing Inspection

2 major violations. 2 minor violations.

View 4 violations

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Pre made sandwiches not date marked by 3-19-25, per operator sandwiches made 3-17-25

02C-02-5

Intermediate - Incorrect chemical test kit provided for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer solution used in the three-compartment sink and/or dishmachine. Establishment requires test strips for the quaternary sanitizer on hand, has iodine test strips.

16-32-5

Basic - Drain cover(s) missing.

29-18-4

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. In front of A/C unit.

36-34-5

Mar 18, 2024

Food-Licensing Inspection

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place

FL-36

Oct 10, 2023

Complaint Partial

No violations found.

100

Aug 2, 2023

Routine - Food

3 major violations. 1 minor violation.

View 4 violations

Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels

FL-14

Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature

FL-16

Approved Thawing Methods Used

FL-31

Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored

FL-41

Apr 10, 2023

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.

View 3 violations

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Crock pot hot holding: chili 109F, turn off less than 1 hour. Operator turned on crock pot on at time of inspection. **Corrective Action Taken**

03B-01-6

Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. Provided dial thermometer to operator at time of inspection.

05-08-4

Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. In storage room in front of freezer.

36-22-4

Sep 2, 2022

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.

View 5 violations

High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Discussed with employee, employee washed hands. **Corrected On-Site**

12A-07-5

Basic - Door frame in disrepair. Rotted wood at bottom of door to outside. **Repeat Violation**

36-24-5

Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Over three compartment sink and chest freezer. **Repeat Violation**

38-07-4

Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. In side room by mop sink.

36-22-4

Basic - Drain cover(s) missing. In front of three compartment sink. **Repeat Violation**

29-18-4

Show all 7 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Top of the Gulf Surf Shack last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Top of the Gulf Surf Shack on file is from Mar 17, 2026. The public record contains seven inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Top of the Gulf Surf Shack?

Across the inspection record, “drain cover(s) missing” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Top of the Gulf Surf Shack.

How does Top of the Gulf Surf Shack compare to other restaurants in Panama City Beach?

Top of the Gulf Surf Shack most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Panama City Beach average of 84.

Has Top of the Gulf Surf Shack's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Top of the Gulf Surf Shack have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Top of the Gulf Surf Shack 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 Top of the Gulf Surf Shack inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Top of the Gulf Surf Shack is inspected around two times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Hampton Inn & Suites

2909 Thomas Dr

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Score: 64 — Medium Risk

Explore More

→ All locations in Panama City Beach → Seafood restaurants in Florida → Seafood restaurants in Panama City Beach