Highlands County — Food Safety Records: DBPR & FDACS
Highlands County, Florida has 312 food establishments with 3,584 inspections on record. 11 establishments were shut down this year. The pass rate is 82%, below the state average of 85.9%. Inspections average 5.6 violations per visit.
Most recent closure: Cang Tong in Sebring, shut down April 30, 2026 for rodent, roach & fly activity.
Largest fine: $800 assessed to Cang Tong in Sebring on December 4, 2025.
Data from Florida DBPR (restaurants) and FDACS (retail food). Updated June 2026.
Most-Inspected Facilities
| Business | City | Inspections | Violations | Closures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cang Tong | Sebring | 59 | 643 | 6 |
| Dimitri's Family Restaurant | Sebring | 49 | 409 | 3 |
| Lake Jackson Landing | Sebring | 31 | 337 | 2 |
| Oscar's Family Restaurant | Sebring | 32 | 215 | 2 |
| Charlie Faye's Depot | Avon Park | 27 | 195 | 2 |
Highlands County Restaurants: Comparison to Florida State Averages
Highlands County
82%
Pass Rate
82%
Florida Average
85.9%
Pass Rate
85.9%
Highlands County
5.6
Avg Violations / Inspection
5.6
Florida Average
4.7
Avg Violations / Inspection
4.7
Highlands County
3.53
Closures per 100 Facilities
3.53
Florida Average
1.35
Closures per 100 Facilities
1.35
Highlands County Restaurants: Recent Closures (2)
Highlands County Restaurants: Recent Inspections (Last 30 Days)
| Date | Business | City | Violations | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Evans Restaurant 478 | Sebring | 0 | Call Back - Complied | |
| Cang Tong | Sebring | 3 | Call Back - Complied | |
| Bob Evans Restaurant 478 | Sebring | 1 | Warning Issued | |
| Cody's Original Roadhouse | Sebring | 7 (1 high) | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Cang Tong | Sebring | 7 (1 high) | Call Back - Admin. complaint recommended | |
| Cang Tong | Sebring | 17 (8 high) | Administrative complaint recommended | |
| Cellar Grill and Wine Bar | Sebring | 2 | Call Back - Admin. complaint recommended | |
| Olive Garden Italian Restaurant # 1741 | Sebring | 0 | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| China Wok | Avon Park | 0 | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Classy Bar and Grill | Avon Park | 1 | Inspection Completed - No Further Action |
Highlands County Restaurants: Most Common Health Violations
| Code | Violation | Citations |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | Food contact surfaces | 53,036 |
| 31 | Clean multi-use utensils | 30,290 |
| 08 | Proper hand/arm washing | 28,636 |
| 36 | Proper ventilation | 24,962 |
| 22 | Consumer advisory | 22,967 |
Highlands County Restaurants: Disciplinary Actions & Fines
Largest Fines (Past 12 Months)
| Date | Business | Fine | Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 4, 2025 | Cang Tong | $800 | 7--2025076667 |
| May 14, 2026 | Solorzanos Pizzeria Sebring | $800 | 7--2026010700 |
| Aug 7, 2025 | Family Taste | $800 | 7--2025038757 |
| Jan 12, 2026 | Jimmy's Greek American Grill | $800 | 7--2025067727 |
| Dec 29, 2025 | Jimmy's Greek American Grill | $800 | 7--2025083762 |
| Dec 10, 2025 | Solorzanos Pizzeria Sebring | $400 | 7--2025068028 |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Oscar's Family Restaurant | $400 | 7--2025092137 |
| Mar 19, 2026 | Solorzanos Pizzeria Sebring | $400 | 7--2025083737 |
| Dec 1, 2025 | Avon Park Diner | $400 | 7--2025081615 |
| Oct 14, 2025 | Sophie's Cafe | $400 | 7--2025052987 |
Highlands County Restaurants: Fire Safety Violations
Most Common Fire Safety Issues
| Issue | Citations |
|---|---|
| Fire extinguisher in red zone | 31 |
| Other fire safety violation | 22 |
| Exit blocked or locked | 19 |
| Cooking without hood suppression | 4 |
| Propane tank stored inside building | 3 |
| Missing boiler certificate/report | 3 |
Highlands County Retail Food: FDACS Inspection Records
In addition to restaurants, Florida's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) inspects grocery stores, markets, gas station food sections, and other retail food establishments. Highlands County has 134 FDACS-regulated facilities with 242 inspections on record and 319 stop-sale orders issued.
Highlands County FDACS: Recent Stop-Sale Orders
A stop-sale order prohibits a retail food establishment from selling specific products found to be unsafe, improperly stored, mislabeled, or non-compliant with Florida food code. Products may be embargoed, destroyed, or returned to the distributor.
| Date | Facility | City | Product | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Placid Mobil | Lake Placid | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500.04; FS 500.11 Misbranded.* Labeling | |
| Lake Placid Mobil | Lake Placid | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500.04; FS 500.11 Misbranded.* Labeling | |
| Lake Placid Mobil | Lake Placid | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Container Requirements | |
| Lake Placid Mobil | Lake Placid | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Container Requirements | |
| Lake Placid Mobil | Lake Placid | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500.04; FS 500.172 Unsanitary Equipment.* Physical Facilities: Plumbing insta… | |
| Lake Placid Mobil | Lake Placid | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500.04; FS 500.172 Unsanitary Equipment.* Preventing Contamination By Hands: … | |
| Frontage-sunoco-421897 | Sebring | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500.04; FS 500.172 Unsanitary Equipment.* Physical Facilities: Plumbing insta… | |
| Frontage-sunoco-421897 | Sebring | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500.04; FS 500.10 Adulterated.* Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Pro… | |
| Frontage-sunoco-421897 | Sebring | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500.04; FS 500.172 Unsanitary Equipment.* Physical Facilities: Plumbing insta… | |
| Legendary Vapes | Sebring | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Container Requirements Comments… |
Browse all FDACS stop-sale order categories →
Highlands County FDACS: Most Cited Code Violations
Browse all FDACS violation codes →
Highlands County Retail Food Chains (FDACS)
| Chain | Locations | Stop-Sale Orders | Citations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dollar General | 9 | 57 | 2,871 |
| Family Dollar | 3 | 316 | 950 |
| Publix | 3 | 30 | 875 |
| Wawa | 3 | 14 | 430 |
| Winn-Dixie | 2 | 170 | 584 |
| CVS | 1 | 9 | 882 |
| Dollar Tree | 1 | 9 | 1,084 |
| Save-A-Lot | 1 | 36 | 399 |
Highlands County: Notable Restaurants
Cang Tong
59 inspections
643 violations
6 closures
Dimitri's Family Restaurant
49 inspections
409 violations
3 closures
Lake Jackson Landing
31 inspections
337 violations
2 closures
Broken Egg Diner
43 inspections
266 violations
1 closures
Bob Evans Restaurant 478
25 inspections
190 violations
Cody's Original Roadhouse
22 inspections
162 violations
Highlands County: Restaurant Chains (DBPR)
| Chain | Locations | Violations | Closures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subway | 7 | 578 | 0 |
| Dunkin | 5 | 623 | 1 |
| McDonalds | 4 | 461 | 0 |
| Burger King | 4 | 327 | 0 |
| Taco Bell | 3 | 245 | 0 |
| Wendys | 3 | 319 | 0 |
| Culvers | 2 | 34 | 0 |
| Hungry Howies | 2 | 192 | 0 |
| Pizza Hut | 2 | 143 | 0 |
| Arbys | 2 | 228 | 0 |
Highlands County Restaurant Inspections: FAQ
- How many restaurants are in Highlands County?
- Highlands County, Florida has 312 food establishments tracked by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
- What is the restaurant inspection pass rate in Highlands County?
- The current pass rate for food establishments in Highlands County is 82%. The Florida state average is 85.9%.
- How many restaurants were shut down in Highlands County this year?
- 11 food establishments in Highlands County have been shut down by health inspectors in 2026.
- What are the most common health violations in Highlands County?
- The most frequently cited violations in Highlands County are: Food contact surfaces, Clean multi-use utensils, Proper hand/arm washing.
- Which restaurant chain has the most locations in Highlands County?
- Subway has the most locations in Highlands County with 7 establishments.
- What was the most recent restaurant closure in Highlands County?
- Cang Tong in Sebring was shut down on April 30, 2026 for rodent, roach & fly activity.
- How does Highlands County compare to the Florida state average?
- Highlands County has a pass rate of 82%, which is 3.9 percentage points below the state average of 85.9%. The average violations per inspection is 5.6 compared to the state average of 4.66.
- How often are restaurants inspected in Highlands County?
- Food establishments in Highlands County have an average of 11.5 inspections on record. Florida DBPR conducts routine inspections based on facility type and risk level.
- How much in fines have restaurants in Highlands County been assessed?
- Food establishments in Highlands County have been assessed $33,680 in fines across 93 disciplinary actions. The average fine is $383 and the largest single fine was $800.
- How many fire safety violations have been found in Highlands County restaurants?
- 82 fire safety violations have been documented across 42 food establishments in Highlands County. The most common issue is fire extinguisher in red zone.
- Are grocery stores and retail food stores in Highlands County inspected?
- Yes. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) inspects retail food establishments — grocery stores, gas station food sections, markets, and convenience stores. Highlands County, Florida has 134 FDACS-regulated retail food facilities with 242 inspections on record.
- How many FDACS stop-sale orders have been issued in Highlands County?
- FDACS has issued 319 stop-sale orders at retail food establishments in Highlands County, including 7 in 2026. A stop-sale order prohibits a facility from selling specific products found to be unsafe, mislabeled, or non-compliant with Florida food code.
In the News Highlands County
See all 24 stories ↓
Lake Placid Health Food Store Cited for Blocked Handwashing Sink, Expired Food Safety Cert
Inspectors found food equipment stored inside the handwashing sink at Dos Angelas, a Lake Placid health food store, duri…
Stories You May Have Missed
- Lake Placid Health Food Store Cited for Blocked Handwashing Sink, Expired Food Safety Cert
- Dollar General in Lake Placid Stocked Toxic Chemicals Above Food Items
- Sebring Restaurant Stayed Open With 6 High-Severity Violations, Including Sick Employees Not Reported
- Sebring Restaurant Emergency-Closed for Rodent Activity, Second Closure in Its Short History
- Sebring Restaurant Closed 7 Times in 5 Months for Roaches and Rodents
- Sebring Family Restaurant Racked Up 6 High-Severity Violations in April and Stayed Open
- Sebring Restaurant With 6 Emergency Closures Shut Again for Rodent Activity
- Katie Cakes Bakery in Lake Placid Failed on Food Safety Basics in February 2026
- Sebring Mexican Restaurant Kept Serving With 6 High-Severity Violations
- Sebring Restaurant With 6 Prior Closures Shut Again for Roaches and Rodents
- Sebring Hibachi Buffet Racked Up 6 High-Severity Violations, Stayed Open
- Sebring Bar Racked Up 8 High-Severity Violations, Stayed Open Anyway
- Sebring Mexican Restaurant Racked Up 6 High-Risk Violations, Stayed Open
- Olympic Restaurant in Avon Park Racked Up 7 High-Severity Violations and Stayed Open
- Sebring RaceTrac Failed to Have Employee Health Policy at March Inspection
Highlands County Restaurants & Food Establishments (308)
Petco #276 FDACS Retail
1704 US 27 N, Sebring
FDACS Retail Food · Minor Outlet/Prepackaged/No PHFAbc Liquors # 0148 FDACS Retail
2311 US Highway 27 N, Sebring
FDACS Retail Food · Minor Outlet with PerishablesFamily Dollar # 10983 FDACS Retail
620 N Ridgewood DR, Sebring
FDACS Retail Food · Minor Outlet with PerishablesGatorco FDACS Retail
125 Theo LN, Lake Placid
FDACS Retail Food · Alligator ProcessorGood Vibes Concessions FDACS Retail
448 Blue Moon Avenue, Lake Placid
FDACS Retail Food · Mobile VendorLita's Snack Shack FDACS Retail
4406 Singer ST, Sebring
FDACS Retail Food · Mobile VendorRidge Vending LLC FDACS Retail
417 US 27 S, Lake Placid
FDACS Retail Food · Packaged Ice Self VendingRidge Vending LLC FDACS Retail
155 Lakeview Blvd, Sebring
FDACS Retail Food · Packaged Ice Self VendingSeattle Marathon FDACS Retail
3901 US Highway 27 N, Sebring
FDACS Retail Food · Convenience Store Significant FS AND/OR Packaged IceLegendary Vapes FDACS Retail
2936 US Highway 27 N, Sebring
FDACS Retail Food · Specialty Shop - HempSaunak's Corner FDACS Retail
306 N Ridgewood DR, Sebring
FDACS Retail Food · Convenience Store Limited FSAshes Smoke Depot FDACS Retail
6360 US Highway 27 N Ste, Sebring
FDACS Retail Food · Specialty Shop - HempCarnitas El Primo FDACS Retail
2050 US HWY 27 N, Sebring
FDACS Retail Food · Food ServiceSinclair Seafood FDACS Retail
3750 US Highway 27 N Ste 2C, Sebring
FDACS Retail Food · Seafood Market RetailDollar General # 12239 FDACS Retail
79 Lunsford RD, Sebring
FDACS Retail Food · Minor Outlet with PerishablesVw Cvs 03155 FDACS Retail
2729 US Highway 27 S, Sebring
FDACS Retail Food · Vended WaterAshes Smoke Depot FDACS Retail
72 Tower ST, Lake Placid
FDACS Retail Food · Specialty Shop - HempWalgreens # 9098 FDACS Retail
2 US 27 S, Lake Placid
FDACS Retail Food · Minor Outlet with PerishablesKns Backyard Eggs FDACS Retail
157 Park Land DR, Lake Placid
FDACS Retail Food · Limited Poultry and EggWinn Dixie Liquor Store # 2466 FDACS Retail
3246 US Highway 27 S, Sebring
FDACS Retail Food · Minor Outlet with Perishables