Highlands County — Food Safety Records: DBPR & FDACS
Highlands County, Florida has 311 food establishments with 3,547 inspections on record. 14 establishments were shut down this year. The pass rate is 81.9%, below the state average of 86%. 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 Jimmy's Greek American Grill in Sebring on January 12, 2026.
Data from Florida DBPR (restaurants) and FDACS (retail food). Updated May 2026.
Most-Inspected Facilities
| Business | City | Inspections | Violations | Closures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cang Tong | Sebring | 56 | 616 | 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
81.9%
Pass Rate
81.9%
Florida Average
86%
Pass Rate
86%
Highlands County
5.6
Avg Violations / Inspection
5.6
Florida Average
4.7
Avg Violations / Inspection
4.7
Highlands County
4.5
Closures per 100 Facilities
4.5
Florida Average
1.37
Closures per 100 Facilities
1.37
Highlands County Restaurants: Recent Closures (6)
Highlands County Restaurants: Recent Inspections (Last 30 Days)
| Date | Business | City | Violations | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cody's Original Roadhouse | Sebring | 8 (1 high) | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Sebring Subs | Sebring | 3 | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Denny's #7808 | Sebring | 2 | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Cang Tong | Sebring | 4 | Call Back - Complied | |
| Holiday Inn Express | Lake Placid | 1 | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Cang Tong | Sebring | 7 (2 high) | Emergency Order Callback Not Complied | |
| Cang Tong | Sebring | 5 (1 high) | Emergency Order Callback Time Extension | |
| Cang Tong | Sebring | 7 (2 high) | Emergency Order Callback Not Complied | |
| Chick-fil-a | Sebring | 3 | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Cang Tong | Sebring | 10 (3 high) | Emergency Order Callback Not Complied |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 12, 2026 | Jimmy's Greek American Grill | $800 | 7--2025067727 |
| Dec 29, 2025 | Jimmy's Greek American Grill | $800 | 7--2025083762 |
| Dec 4, 2025 | Cang Tong | $800 | 7--2025076667 |
| Aug 7, 2025 | Family Taste | $800 | 7--2025038757 |
| Jan 13, 2026 | La Michoacana of Lake Placid INC | $400 | 7--2025082271 |
| Jun 25, 2025 | Chicanes | $400 | 7--2025042045 |
| Sep 10, 2025 | Yums Chinese Food | $400 | 7--2025064078 |
| Jun 12, 2025 | Highlands Irish Pub | $400 | 7--2025029030 |
| Jun 25, 2025 | Tienda & Restaurante Lamalquerida LLC | $400 | 7--2025041917 |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Oscar's Family Restaurant | $400 | 7--2025092137 |
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 |
| Missing boiler certificate/report | 3 |
| Propane tank stored inside building | 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 |
| Wawa | 3 | 14 | 430 |
| Family Dollar | 3 | 316 | 950 |
| Publix | 3 | 30 | 875 |
| Winn-Dixie | 2 | 170 | 584 |
| Starbucks | 1 | 77 | 1,170 |
| Sunoco | 1 | 256 | 487 |
| Aldi | 1 | 2 | 310 |
Highlands County: Notable Restaurants
Cang Tong
56 inspections
616 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
Sebring Subs
8 inspections
35 violations
Cody's Original Roadhouse
21 inspections
155 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 | 321 | 0 |
| Taco Bell | 3 | 245 | 0 |
| Wendys | 3 | 319 | 0 |
| Dominos | 2 | 89 | 0 |
| Holiday Inn | 2 | 104 | 1 |
| Arbys | 2 | 228 | 0 |
| Dairy Queen | 2 | 267 | 0 |
Highlands County Restaurant Inspections: FAQ
- How many restaurants are in Highlands County?
- Highlands County, Florida has 311 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 81.9%. The Florida state average is 86%.
- How many restaurants were shut down in Highlands County this year?
- 14 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 81.9%, which is 4.1 percentage points below the state average of 86%. The average violations per inspection is 5.6 compared to the state average of 4.67.
- How often are restaurants inspected in Highlands County?
- Food establishments in Highlands County have an average of 11.4 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 $32,280 in fines across 90 disciplinary actions. The average fine is $380 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 8 stories ↓
Sebring's Cang Tong Shut Down for Rodents, Roaches and Flies, Its 7th Closure in 7 Months
Cang Tong in Sebring was emergency-closed April 30 for rodent, roach and fly activity, its seventh shutdown since Octobe…
Stories You May Have Missed
- Sebring's Cang Tong Shut Down for Rodents, Roaches and Flies, Its 7th Closure in 7 Months
- Sebring Restaurant With 6 Prior Closures Shut Again for Roach Activity in April
- Sebring Restaurant Kept Serving With 6 High-Severity Violations, Including Toxic Chemicals Near Food
- Sebring Restaurant Stayed Open After 7 High-Severity Violations in One Visit
- Sebring Health Food Store Cited for Missing Manager Cert, No Illness Policy
- Sebring Mobile Vendor Cited Again for Missing Illness Cleanup Plan
- Sebring Aldi Cited for Dented Cans on Shelves, Damaged Dumpster in April Inspection
- Market 27 in Avon Park Racked Up 6 High-Severity Violations, Stayed Open
Highlands County Restaurants & Food Establishments (307)
Subway
6126 US HWY 98, Sebring
23 inspections · 102 violations · Last: Jan 2026Checkers Avon Park
382 S US HWY 27, Avon Park
20 inspections · 102 violations · Last: Jul 2025Corner International Cuisine& Grill
123 W MAIN ST, Avon Park
19 inspections · 100 violations · Last: Mar 2026Burger King #2349
3130 US HWY 27 S, Sebring
20 inspections · 98 violations · Last: Aug 2025Subway
490 US HWY 27 N, Lake Placid
21 inspections · 97 violations · Last: Sep 2025Fairmount Cafe, LLC
3750 HWY 27 N STE 4E, Sebring
19 inspections · 96 violations · Last: Jan 2026Hungry Howies #3010
1052 US 27 S, Avon Park
19 inspections · 96 violations · Last: Oct 2025Hungry Howies #3037
2934 US HWY 27 S, Sebring
22 inspections · 96 violations · Last: Aug 2025Taco Bell #127
1698 US HWY 27, Sebring
23 inspections · 94 violations · Last: Dec 2025Panera Bread #1259
1760 US 27 N, Sebring
21 inspections · 94 violations · Last: Dec 2025McDonald's Corporation 009-1358
3000 N US HWY 27, Sebring
18 inspections · 94 violations · Last: Oct 2025Liams Soda and Ice Cream Works LLC
201 CIRCLE PARK DR, Sebring
18 inspections · 92 violations · Last: Mar 2026Subway
816 -3 US HWY 27 S, Avon Park
23 inspections · 92 violations · Last: Sep 2025Wendy's 9170
2100 US 27 N, Sebring
21 inspections · 91 violations · Last: Dec 2025Main St America-an Eatery INC
22 S MAIN ST, Lake Placid
21 inspections · 91 violations · Last: Jan 2026Arbys 7656
5 US HWY 27 N, Avon Park
20 inspections · 88 violations · Last: Apr 2026Dairy Queen
3359 US HWY 27 S, Sebring
24 inspections · 88 violations · Last: Mar 2026Burger King 24516
488 US HWY 27 N, Lake Placid
24 inspections · 87 violations · Last: Nov 2025Wendy's 9888
502 US 27 S, Lake Placid
24 inspections · 86 violations · Last: Nov 2025Lykes Kitchen
106 SW CR 721, Okeechobee
21 inspections · 84 violations · Last: Mar 2026