Tropical Creole Restaurant
Last inspected: Feb 20, 2026
78
Score
Inspectors have visited Tropical Creole Restaurant 13 times, with records going back to 2023. Tropical Creole Restaurant was last inspected on Feb 20, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around three violations compared to roughly six violations earlier on.
Looking across the full record, “no paper towels” is the recurring theme, flagged two times.
Compared to the broader Fort Myers restaurant scene, this is about average. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
13
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 20, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked pasta (74F - Cold Holding) in reach in cooler at front counter. Operator advised made and placed directly in unit 1 hour prior. Educated on proper cooling methods and operator will begin rapid cooling via ice bath or freezer prior to placing in reach in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken** - From follow-up inspection 2026-02-20: **Time Extended**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed cooked plantain (76F - Hot Holding) on cook line. The operator states he serves all within an hour or discards. Educated on time stamping and tracking, provided time as a public health control form via email. **Corrective Action Taken** - From follow-up inspection 2026-02-20: **Time Extended**
03F-10-5
78
Feb 19, 2026
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 live roach behind reach in cooler in dry storage area. The operator removed the live roach. **Corrected On-Site**
35A-05-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked pasta (74F - Cold Holding) in reach in cooler at front counter. Operator advised made and placed directly in unit 1 hour prior. Educated on proper cooling methods and operator will begin rapid cooling via ice bath or freezer prior to placing in reach in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed cooked plantain (76F - Hot Holding) on cook line. The operator states he serves all within an hour or discards. Educated on time stamping and tracking, provided time as a public health control form via email. **Corrective Action Taken**
03F-10-5
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Observed 1 dead roach next to reach in cooler in dry storage area. The operator removed the dead roach. **Corrected On-Site**
35A-03-4
64
Dec 19, 2025
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license as of 12/1/25. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-19: **Time Extended**
50-17-3
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink near 3 compartment sink and exit door. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-12-19: **Time Extended**
31B-03-4
78
Dec 18, 2025
Complaint Full
4 critical violations. 2 major violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked pork (58F - Cold Holding) in reach in cooler near cook line. The operator states this was cooked yesterday and held over night. The operator discarded the items. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license as of 12/1/25. **Warning**
50-17-3
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 100 - 150 droppings in dry storage in corner near door and shelving. Observed 2 droppings on top of container of uncooked rice. Observed 75-100 droppings under reach in cooler in dry storage area. Observed 50-75 droppings behind a file cabinet in dry storage near 3 compartment sink. Observed 25-50 droppings beneath vegetable oil bin. **Warning**
35A-04-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked plantains (108F - Hot Holding) at front counter, operator states have been removed from heat for less than 2 hours. The operator began reheating them to above 135F while on site. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink near 3 compartment sink and exit door. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink near 3 compartment sink and exit door. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31B-03-4
45
Dec 8, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with parsley. Operator switched to food grade. **Corrected On-Site**
14-31-5
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink next to three compartment sink.
31B-03-4
Intermediate - No chlorine chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink next to three compartment sink.
31B-02-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket on upright reach in cooler.
14-11-5
Basic - Hotel and Restaurant license decal not displayed on vending machine. License expired 12/01/25.
50-01-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Educated operator on storing water at 135F or above. **Repeat Violation**
10-07-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Operator closed dumpster. **Corrected On-Site**
33-16-4
Basic - Water leaking from pipe underneath handwash sink next to three compartment sink.
29-11-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
21-12-4
47
Mar 5, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
78
Oct 23, 2024
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed acoustic style ceiling tiles in back prep room and above front counter. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-23: **Time Extended**
36-37-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed scoop in standing water at front counter. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-23: **Time Extended**
10-07-4
90
Oct 22, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - In-use utensil stored in unclean water at or above 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in dirty water at front counter area. - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-22: **Time Extended**
10-05-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed acoustic ceiling tiles in back prep room. - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-22: **Time Extended**
36-37-5
82
Apr 23, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - In-use utensil stored in unclean water at or above 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in dirty water at front counter area.
10-05-5
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
53B-05-5
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed acoustic ceiling tiles in back prep room.
36-37-5
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed open employee water bottle in reach in cooler above food served to customers.
12B-13-4
70
Nov 1, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 3 to 5 small flying insects in kitchen area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-01: Observed only 1 to 3 small fly like insects in kitchen.
35A-02-6
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed stand up reach-in cooler in kitchen ambient temperature 71F. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-01: Observed stand up reach-in cooler in kitchen not being utilized.
14-74-7
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair in kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-01: **Time Extended**
36-17-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-01: **Time Extended**
36-32-5
74
Oct 30, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 3 to 5 small flying insects in kitchen area. **Warning**
35A-02-6
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed pork (73F - Cold Holding); black beans (71F - Cold Holding) in stand up reach-in cooler in kitchen. **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed pork (73F - Cold Holding); black beans (71F - Cold Holding) in stand up reach-in cooler in kitchen. Observed raw red snapper (58F - Cold Holding) in stand up reach-in cooler in kitchen. The operator is moving raw red snapper into reach-in freezer. **Warning**
03A-02-5
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 - 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. Printed Out DBPR Form HR 5030-103. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
11-26-1
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-32-5
Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed stand up reach-in cooler in kitchen ambient temperature 71F. **Warning**
14-74-7
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair in kitchen. **Warning**
36-17-5
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit across from cook line. **Warning**
10-07-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed containers of black beans, rice and pinto beans not labeled in kitchen. **Warning**
02D-01-5
41
May 31, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
78
Mar 10, 2023
Routine - Food
6 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed operator wash hands in 3 compartment sink. Educated operator on washing hands in designated hand washing sink. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-03-4
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. Emailed manager DBPR Form HR 5030-104. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener soiled.
22-02-4
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. Emailed manager DBPR Form HR 5030-103 **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
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
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed pork not date marked in stand up reach-in cooler.
02C-02-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair.
36-32-5
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair.
36-17-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed bottles of water on floor behind front counter. The owner removed bottles of water from floor. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Food-contact surface not cleaned and sanitized between contact with different raw animal products. Educated on cleaning and sanitizing between contact with different raw animal and food products. **Corrective Action Taken**
08B-23-5
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers in reach-in cooler beside deep frier.
12B-13-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed containers of black beans and rice not labeled in back of kitchen.
02D-01-5
41
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tropical Creole Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Tropical Creole Restaurant on file is from Feb 20, 2026. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Tropical Creole Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “no paper towels” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Tropical Creole Restaurant.
How does Tropical Creole Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Fort Myers?
Tropical Creole Restaurant most recently scored 78 out of 100, which is about the same as the Fort Myers average of 80.
Has Tropical Creole Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Tropical Creole Restaurant have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Tropical Creole Restaurant 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 Tropical Creole Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Tropical Creole Restaurant is inspected around four times per year on average.
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