Key West — Food Safety Records: DBPR & FDACS
Key West, Florida has 403 food establishments with 5,307 inspections on record. 4 establishments were shut down this year. The pass rate is 90.5%, above the state average of 86%. Inspections average 6.9 violations per visit.
Largest fine: $400 assessed to Banana Cafe in Key West on January 21, 2026.
Data from Florida DBPR (restaurants) and FDACS (retail food). Updated May 2026.
Most-Inspected Facilities
| Business | Inspections | Violations | Closures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Grill | 36 | 507 | 2 |
| Thai Island Restaurant | 25 | 247 | 2 |
| Old Town Tavern | 21 | 196 | 2 |
| Smoked BBQ | 23 | 94 | 2 |
| Domino's Pizza | 16 | 91 | 2 |
Key West Restaurants: Comparison to Florida State Averages
Key West Restaurants: Recent Inspections (Last 30 Days)
| Date | Business | Violations | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abbondanza Restaurant | 4 | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Geiger Key Fish Camp | 7 (1 high) | Call Back - Admin. complaint recommended | |
| Ocean Grill | 7 (1 high) | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Cabana Inn | 2 | Inspection Completed - No Further Action |
Key West Restaurants: Most Common Health Violations
| Code | Violation | Citations |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | Consumer advisory | 50,370 |
| 14 | Food contact surfaces | 44,345 |
| 36 | Proper ventilation | 41,693 |
| 08 | Proper hand/arm washing | 40,943 |
| 23 | Chemical properly stored | 35,561 |
Key West Restaurants: Disciplinary Actions & Fines
Largest Fines (Past 12 Months)
| Date | Business | Fine | Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 21, 2026 | Banana Cafe | $400 | 1--2025079093 |
| Jan 5, 2026 | Grand Cafe Key West | $400 | 1--2025082674 |
| Jul 14, 2025 | Geiger Key Fish Camp | $400 | 1--2025043347 |
| Sep 10, 2025 | Thai Island Restaurant | $400 | 1--2025053285 |
| Sep 4, 2025 | Ocean Grill | $400 | 1--2025053602 |
| Sep 16, 2025 | Mangoes | $400 | 1--2025056281 |
| Dec 10, 2025 | Southernmost Pint | $160 | 1--2025078896 |
| Apr 8, 2026 | Origami | $160 | 1--2025043287 |
Key West Restaurants: Fire Safety Violations
Most Common Fire Safety Issues
| Issue | Citations |
|---|---|
| Other fire safety violation | 20 |
| Propane tank stored inside building | 16 |
| Cooking without hood suppression | 13 |
| Missing boiler certificate/report | 9 |
| Exit blocked or locked | 6 |
| Fire extinguisher in red zone | 3 |
Key West 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. Key West has 116 FDACS-regulated facilities with 172 inspections on record and 249 stop-sale orders issued.
Key West 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 | Product | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owens Gas Station | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | 500.10(1)(a), 581.217(3)(e), F.S., 893.03(1)(c)190.a., F.S.* Controlled Substanc… | |
| Owens Gas Station | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | 500.10(1)(a), 581.217(3)(e), F.S., 893.03(1)(c)190.a., F.S.* Controlled Substanc… | |
| Owens Gas Station | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500.04; FS 500.11 Misbranded.* Labeling Comments: The product contains a pois… | |
| Owens Gas Station | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500.04; FS 500.11 Misbranded.* Labeling Comments: The product contains a pois… | |
| Owens Gas Station | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Distribution/Retail Sale and Ad… | |
| Owens Gas Station | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Distribution/Retail Sale and Ad… | |
| Owens Gas Station | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Labeling Comments: To request a… | |
| Owens Gas Station | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Labeling Comments: To request a… | |
| Owens Gas Station | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Labeling Comments: To request a… | |
| Owens Gas Station | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Labeling Comments: To request a… |
Browse all FDACS stop-sale order categories →
Key West FDACS: Most Cited Code Violations
Browse all FDACS violation codes →
Key West Retail Food Chains (FDACS)
| Chain | Locations | Stop-Sale Orders | Citations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circle K | 4 | 102 | 1,574 |
| CVS | 3 | 9 | 882 |
| Shell | 2 | 152 | 1,169 |
| Walgreens | 2 | 1 | 743 |
| Kilwins | 1 | 0 | 16 |
| Starbucks | 1 | 77 | 1,170 |
| Winn-Dixie | 1 | 170 | 584 |
| Family Dollar | 1 | 316 | 950 |
Key West: Notable Restaurants
Ocean Grill
Thai Island Restaurant
Old Town Tavern
New York Pasta Garden
Half Shell Raw Bar
Abbondanza Restaurant
Key West: Restaurant Chains (DBPR)
| Chain | Locations | Violations | Closures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfield Inn | 2 | 121 | 0 |
| Subway | 2 | 94 | 0 |
| Hampton Inn | 2 | 147 | 0 |
| Wendys | 2 | 248 | 1 |
| Dennys | 1 | 297 | 0 |
| Five Guys | 1 | 45 | 0 |
| Jersey Mikes | 1 | 215 | 1 |
| Popeyes | 1 | 133 | 0 |
| Taco Bell | 1 | 98 | 0 |
| Courtyard by Marriott | 1 | 124 | 0 |
Key West Restaurant Inspections: FAQ
- How many restaurants are in Key West?
- Key West, Florida has 403 food establishments tracked by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
- What is the restaurant inspection pass rate in Key West?
- The current pass rate for food establishments in Key West is 90.5%. The Florida state average is 86%.
- How many restaurants were shut down in Key West this year?
- 4 food establishments in Key West have been shut down by health inspectors in 2026.
- What are the most common health violations in Key West?
- The most frequently cited violations in Key West are: Consumer advisory, Food contact surfaces, Proper ventilation.
- Which restaurant chain has the most locations in Key West?
- Fairfield Inn has the most locations in Key West with 2 establishments.
- How does Key West compare to the Florida state average?
- Key West has a pass rate of 90.5%, which is 4.5 percentage points above the state average of 86%. The average violations per inspection is 6.9 compared to the state average of 4.67.
- How often are restaurants inspected in Key West?
- Food establishments in Key West have an average of 13.2 inspections on record. Florida DBPR conducts routine inspections based on facility type and risk level.
- How much in fines have restaurants in Key West been assessed?
- Food establishments in Key West have been assessed $63,290 in fines across 185 disciplinary actions. The average fine is $348 and the largest single fine was $1,680.
- How many fire safety violations have been found in Key West restaurants?
- 67 fire safety violations have been documented across 45 food establishments in Key West. The most common issue is other fire safety violation.
- Are grocery stores and retail food stores in Key West 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. Key West, Florida has 116 FDACS-regulated retail food facilities with 172 inspections on record.
- How many FDACS stop-sale orders have been issued in Key West?
- FDACS has issued 249 stop-sale orders at retail food establishments in Key West, including 15 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.
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Key West Restaurants & Food Establishments (402)
Carolines Cafe
310 DUVAL ST, Key West
25 inspections · 184 violations · Last: Feb 2026Saint Hotel Key West
417 EATON ST, Key West
23 inspections · 180 violations · Last: Jan 2026Jimmy Buffetts Margaritaville
500 DUVAL ST, Key West
24 inspections · 180 violations · Last: Apr 2026Sunset Pier / Hot Tin Roof
ZERO DUVAL ST, Key West
20 inspections · 180 violations · Last: Jul 2025Harbor View Cafe/one Duval
1 DUVAL ST, Key West
22 inspections · 178 violations · Last: Feb 2026Chicos Cantina of Key West
5230 US HWY 1, Key West
17 inspections · 177 violations · Last: Apr 2026Mac's Place
1605 N ROOSEVELT BLVD, Key West
29 inspections · 175 violations · Last: Feb 2026Cuban Coffee Queen Downtown
5 KEY LIME SQ, Key West
22 inspections · 174 violations · Last: Feb 2026Palm Haven
3990 S ROOSEVELT BLVD, Key West
22 inspections · 174 violations · Last: Mar 2026Thirsty Mermaid
521 FLEMING STREET, Key West
27 inspections · 173 violations · Last: Feb 2026Docs on Duval
708 DUVAL ST, Key West
19 inspections · 172 violations · Last: Dec 2025Sonic Drive-in
2312 N ROOSEVELT BLVD, Key West
18 inspections · 171 violations · Last: Jul 2025Flaglers (main Kitchen)
1500 REYNOLDS ST, Key West
23 inspections · 171 violations · Last: Feb 2026Sarabeths
530 SIMONTON ST, Key West
25 inspections · 169 violations · Last: Apr 2026Lolita's
245 FRONT ST, Key West
19 inspections · 169 violations · Last: Feb 2026Dante's Key West/prime 951
951 CAROLINE STREET, Key West
19 inspections · 169 violations · Last: Nov 2025Roostica Pizzeria
5620 MACDONALD AVE, Key West
18 inspections · 167 violations · Last: Aug 2025Harpoon Harry's
832 CAROLINE ST, Key West
20 inspections · 166 violations · Last: Aug 2025Pirates Cove
617 FRONT ST, Key West
23 inspections · 165 violations · Last: Jan 2026McDonald's
3704 N ROOSEVELT BLVD, Key West
24 inspections · 163 violations · Last: Jul 2025