Tropical Cuisine
Last inspected: Sep 17, 2025
22
Score
The health department has logged 10 inspections at Tropical Cuisine, the earliest from 2022. The most recent report on file is from Sep 17, 2025. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around 21 violations per visit lately, up from roughly 15 violations before.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “working containers of food removed”, showing up seven times.
The city-wide average sits at 79, which Tropical Cuisine's 22 doesn't quite reach. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.
10
Inspections
2
Critical latest
6
Major latest
12
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 17, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 6 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 20 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 70 rodent droppings found in hallway closet next to kitchen door. Observed approximately 50 rodent droppings in closet inside of kitchen. Observed approximately 25 rodent droppings in dry food storage area inside of kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-17: Observed 6 rodent droppings in the hallway closet next to kitchen door. Observed 5 rodent droppings in the hallway closet inside of kitchen. **Time Extended**
35A-04-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-17: **Time Extended**
29-42-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Equipment drain line draining into handwash sink. Observed condensation hose connected to AC draining into Hand washing sink in back kitchen near 3 compartment sink. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-17: **Time Extended**
31A-10-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed pot in handwashing sink in back kitchen near 3 compartment sink. Employee removed **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-17: **Time Extended**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-17: **Time Extended**
11-26-1
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at Hand washing sink behind front counter, Hand washing sink in kitchen next to 3 compartment sink. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-17: **Time Extended**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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 employee trainings for 5 employees, operator presented 1. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-17: **Time Extended**
53B-13-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed no date marking on food items in walk in cooler. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-17: Walk in cooler locked at the time of inspection. **Time Extended**
02C-02-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance. Observed women's bathroom door open. Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed women's and men's bathroom door not self-closing. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-17: **Time Extended**
32-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling with water damage above 3 compartment sink. Observed hole in ceiling in women's bathroom. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-17: **Time Extended**
36-32-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling soiled with mold-like substance in dry food storage area. Observed AC vents throughout kitchen soiled with dust and mold-like substance. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-17: **Time Extended**
36-34-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting on hotel pans across from 3 compartment sink underneath prep table. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-17: **Time Extended**
24-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor throughout main kitchen soiled with an accumulation of debris. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-17: **Time Extended**
36-73-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed lettuce, broccoli, and milk not stored at least 6 inches off the floor inside of walk in cooler. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-17: Walk in cooler locked at the time of callback. **Time Extended**
08B-47-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed damage to lower wall near exit door in dry food storage area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-17: **Time Extended**
36-24-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave in dry food storage area soiled with grease and old food debris. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-17: **Time Extended**
22-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled with grease. Observed stoved, flat top grill and fryers soiled with grease and old food debris **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-17: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop not allowed to dry near kitchen entrance. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-17: **Time Extended**
42-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth stored on prep table in kitchen across from stove. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-17: **Time Extended**
21-12-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled with an accumulation of grease in kitchen next to stove equipment. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-17: **Time Extended**
36-27-5
22
Sep 16, 2025
Routine - Food
9 critical violations. 6 major violations. 18 minor violations.
View 33 violations
High Priority - Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed Employee washing dishes with soap and water only no sanitizer. **Warning**
22-45-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found. Observed 1 fly in kitchen area. **Warning**
35A-02-7
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee serve food then cash out on register before returning to serve food again without washing hands in between glove changes. **Warning**
12A-07-5
High Priority - Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed approximately 10 dead maggots behind trash can in men's bathroom next to kitchen door. **Warning**
35A-09-4
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 live roach in men's bathroom next to kitchen door. Observed 3 live roaches inside dry food storage area inside kitchen. **Warning**
35A-05-4
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 70 rodent droppings found in hallway closet next to kitchen door. Observed approximately 50 rodent droppings in closet inside of kitchen. Observed approximately 25 rodent droppings in dry food storage area inside of kitchen. **Warning**
35A-04-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. sliced ham (65F - Cold Holding); sliced white cheese (64F - Cold Holding) located in sandwich cooler next to drink cooler. **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. mashed potatoes (127F - Hot Holding) yuca (100F - Hot Holding); cooked potatoes (127F - Hot Holding) **Warning**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. **Warning**
29-42-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at Hand washing sink behind front counter, Hand washing sink in kitchen next to 3 compartment sink. **Warning**
31B-03-4
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. Missing employee trainings for 5 employees, operator presented 1. **Warning**
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 no date marking on food items in walk in cooler. **Warning**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Equipment drain line draining into handwash sink. Observed condensation hose connected to AC draining into Hand washing sink in back kitchen near 3 compartment sink. **Warning**
31A-10-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed pot in handwashing sink in back kitchen near 3 compartment sink. Employee removed **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-11-4
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. **Warning**
11-26-1
Basic - Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance. Observed women's bathroom door open. Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed women's and men's bathroom door not self-closing. **Warning**
32-02-4
Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed cardboard lining the shelves next to hot box in kitchen. **Warning**
14-05-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling with water damage above 3 compartment sink. Observed hole in ceiling in women's bathroom. **Warning**
36-32-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling soiled with mold-like substance in dry food storage area. Observed AC vents throughout kitchen soiled with dust and mold-like substance. **Warning**
36-34-5
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed pans and pot lids on shelf next to hot box not inverted. **Warning**
24-05-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting on hotel pans across from 3 compartment sink underneath prep table. **Warning**
24-08-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water inside of closet next to 3 compartment sink. **Warning**
36-22-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor throughout main kitchen soiled with an accumulation of debris. **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed lettuce, broccoli, and milk not stored at least 6 inches off the floor inside of walk in cooler. **Warning**
08B-47-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed damage to lower wall near exit door in dry food storage area. **Warning**
36-24-5
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed ice scoop in contact with ice inside of ice machine inside of kitchen. **Warning**
10-08-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave in dry food storage area soiled with grease and old food debris. **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled with grease. Observed stoved, flat top grill and fryers soiled with grease and old food debris **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Warning**
33-16-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled with an accumulation of grease in kitchen next to stove equipment. **Warning**
36-27-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop not allowed to dry near kitchen entrance. **Warning**
42-01-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth stored on prep table in kitchen across from stove. **Warning**
21-12-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed containers of rice, beans unlabeled in kitchen. Observed spices above hot box in kitchen not labeled. **Warning**
02D-01-5
6
Mar 20, 2025
Complaint Partial
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Black beans at 58 F. and Red beans at 65 F. Operator states they both were cooked this morning cooling. Placing in smaller pans to finish cooling. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Back kitchen area **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance.
32-02-4
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. **Repeat Violation**
32-04-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris.
36-73-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. **Repeat Violation**
21-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust and grease
23-03-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. **Repeat Violation**
21-12-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. On top shelf cooksline
02D-01-5
52
Jan 14, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Back kitchen area
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ LUIS MARTINEZ Owner/Manager
53A-03-7
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed personal cell phone on prep table and back pack on large white containers with beans inside
40-06-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Throughout back kitchen area **Repeat Violation**
36-73-4
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Raw beef and raw pork in walk-in-cooler
08B-47-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Large ice machine
10-08-5
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. **Repeat Violation**
21-04-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Corrected On-Site**
33-16-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. **Repeat Violation**
21-12-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Water bottle not labeled **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. **Repeat Violation**
32-04-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
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.
12B-12-5
47
Jul 15, 2024
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used
FL-32
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
26
Mar 6, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed bottle with toxic chemicals stored on top of large ice machine
41-10-4
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
50-17-3
Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Shredded cheese in glass reach-in-cooler in dry storage **Repeat Violation**
02C-03-5
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/. Observed 5 employees working and no Certified Food Manager on duty Mairelys Delgado Person In Charge
53A-05-6
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. New employees per Owner/Manager **Repeat Violation**
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. Cooked food in walk-in-cooler
02C-02-5
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. **Repeat Violation**
21-04-4
Basic - Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance. Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
32-02-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed operator eating while serving on the buffet line.
12B-02-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Underneath cooking equipment
36-73-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust and grease **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid.
33-16-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected during operation. **Repeat Violation**
35B-05-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. **Repeat Violation**
21-12-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
30
Oct 30, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 14 minor violations.
View 20 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Raw shelled eggs 48. Placing in walk-in-freezer **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
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 - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Food in walk-in-cooler **Repeat Violation**
02C-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 - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Utensils stored in hand sink in front kitchen area **Repeat Violation**
31A-11-4
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
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food.
14-01-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair.
36-32-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. On top of buffet reach-in-cooler and large ice machine **Repeat Violation**
12B-07-4
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.
12B-12-5
Basic - Employee eating while preparing food.
12B-01-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice.
10-08-5
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. **Repeat Violation**
21-04-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
51-13-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust and grease **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid.
33-16-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected during operation. **Repeat Violation**
35B-05-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
21-12-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
26
Jun 1, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Observed operator come from outside and began working in kitchen handling clean dishes not washing hands **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-01: **Time Extended**
12A-16-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. 2 flats of raw shelled eggs stored at room temperature 49 F. Operator placing in walk-in-cooler **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-01: Operator placing raw shelled eggs in walk-in-cooler **Time Extended**
03A-03-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Large white containers soiled on outside and large ice machine **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-01: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-01: **Time Extended**
02C-02-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-01: **Time Extended**
21-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-01: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor and in between cooking equipment soiled/has accumulation of debris and grease. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-01: **Time Extended**
36-73-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Walk-in-cooler and walk-in-freezer **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-01: **Time Extended**
08B-47-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust and grease **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-01: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Outer openings not protected during operation. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-01: **Time Extended**
35B-05-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Unpackaged food in an unprotected holding unit in a customer/nonsecure area. Walk-in-cooler outside not locked **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-01: **Time Extended**
08B-63-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-01: **Time Extended**
42-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-01: **Time Extended**
02D-01-5
39
Mar 27, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 6 major violations. 14 minor violations.
View 22 violations
High Priority - Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Observed operator come from outside and began working in kitchen handling clean dishes not washing hands **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
12A-16-4
High Priority - Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. 2 flats of raw shelled eggs stored at room temperature 49 F. Operator placing in walk-in-cooler **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-03-5
Intermediate - Establishment advertised fresh juice, but juice was not prepared within 12 hours of sale and/or juice contains additives. Juice serving is from an approved source not fresh. **Warning**
52-10-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Large white containers soiled on outside and large ice machine **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Pot stored in hand sink in back kitchen area **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Dilcia Rodriguez Person In Charge **Warning**
53A-01-7
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Toxic substance/chemical on premise that is not required for the operation of establishment. Observed bottle of cooling gel stored on top of large ice machine **Warning**
41-04-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-09-4
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 open drinks on top shelf cooksline **Warning**
12B-12-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employees personal items on prep cooksline **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. **Warning**
16-13-5
Basic - Floor and in between cooking equipment soiled/has accumulation of debris and grease. **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Walk-in-cooler and walk-in-freezer **Warning**
08B-47-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
21-04-4
Basic - Insect control device installed over food preparation area. In dry storage area **Warning**
35B-02-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust and grease **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected during operation. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
35B-05-4
Basic - Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover. Dry storage shelves **Warning**
14-20-4
Basic - Unpackaged food in an unprotected holding unit in a customer/nonsecure area. Walk-in-cooler outside not locked **Warning**
08B-63-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Warning**
42-01-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. **Warning**
02D-01-5
20
Aug 31, 2022
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 3 major violations. 15 minor violations.
View 22 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked black beans at 56 F refrigerated yesterday. See Stop Sale
03A-02-5
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 2 flies in kitchen.
35A-02-6
High Priority - Shell eggs in use or stored with cracks or broken shells. See stop sale. 3 shelled eggs 1 cracked in same container
01B-14-4
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. Cooked black beans at 56 F refrigerated yesterday. See Stop Sale
01B-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards stained and soiled on white containers soiled on cooksline
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Drink ice dumped in hand sink in front kitchen area and soiled wet wiping towel in back kitchen hand sink **Repeat Violation**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Food in walk-in-cooler
02C-02-5
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
32-04-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
14-09-4
Basic - Damaged/spoiled/recalled food not properly segregated. Cracked shell egg not properly segregated from other shelled eggs. See Stop Sale Priority: Basic
08B-20-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Cooksline top shelf open drink
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 shoes in dry storage area **Repeat Violation**
40-06-5
Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Cracked scoop and dry beans container
14-38-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. On cooksline
21-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust and grease **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. 2 flies in kitchen near open back kitchen door.
35B-05-4
Basic - Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover. Kitchen and walk-in-cooler
14-20-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Container of food in walk-in-cooler
08B-12-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
Basic - Walls and ceiling soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Back kitchen area **Repeat Violation**
36-27-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
42-01-4
Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. In front kitchen area
21-38-4
19
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tropical Cuisine last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Tropical Cuisine on file is from Sep 17, 2025. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Tropical Cuisine?
Across the inspection record, “working containers of food removed” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Tropical Cuisine.
How does Tropical Cuisine compare to other restaurants in Tampa?
Tropical Cuisine most recently scored 22 out of 100, which is lower than the Tampa average of 79.
Has Tropical Cuisine's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Tropical Cuisine have averaged around 21 violations per visit, up from roughly 15 earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Tropical Cuisine means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Tropical Cuisine inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Tropical Cuisine is inspected around three times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants