Polk County — Food Safety Records: DBPR & FDACS

Overview

Polk County, Florida has 2755 food establishments with 19,665 inspections on record. 16 establishments were shut down this year. The pass rate is 87.5%, above the state average of 86%. Inspections average 3.3 violations per visit.

Most recent closure: Taqueria Don Gonzalo LLC in Haines City, shut down April 15, 2026 for roach activity.

Largest fine: $800 assessed to Sweet Cup Cafe 1 in Lakeland on November 19, 2025.

Data from Florida DBPR (restaurants) and FDACS (retail food). Updated May 2026.

2,755Facilities
19,656Total Inspections
16Closures 2026
87.5%Pass Rate
3.3Avg Violations

Most-Inspected Facilities

BusinessCityInspectionsViolationsClosures
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Operated by Tice Lakeland52 295 6
Grriffins Restaurant Dining Sports Bar-banquet Lake Wales41 222 6
Orange Bowl Lanes/ Lucky's Lakeland44 167 6
Havana Cafe Delights INC Bartow48 294 4
Beef 'o' Brady's Lakeland41 218 4

Polk County Restaurants: Comparison to Florida State Averages

Polk County 87.5% Pass Rate 87.5%
Florida Average 86% Pass Rate 86%
Polk County 3.3 Avg Violations / Inspection 3.3
Florida Average 4.7 Avg Violations / Inspection 4.7
Polk County 0.58 Closures per 100 Facilities 0.58
Florida Average 1.37 Closures per 100 Facilities 1.37

Polk County Restaurants: Recent Closures (5)

DateBusinessCityReason
Taqueria Don Gonzalo LLC Haines CityRoach activity
Buen Cafe DavenportFly activity
Tantrums Flightside Cafe & Catering BartowRoach activity
El Kiosko 38 Puerto Rican Food DavenportRoach & rodent activity
El Toque Latin Restaurant DavenportRoach activity

Polk County Restaurants: Recent Inspections (Last 30 Days)

DateBusinessCityViolationsResult
Xing Xing Kitchen Lakeland0 Call Back - Complied
McDonald's 6641 Auburndale2 (1 high) Warning Issued
Chipotle Mexican Grill of Colorado LLC Lakeland2 (1 high) Warning Issued
Charlies Family Restaurant by Dee LLC Lakeland2 Inspection Completed - No Further Action
Wingstop Lakeland0 Call Back - Complied
Johns Drive in Fort Meade4 (1 high) Inspection Completed - No Further Action
Camp Margaritaville Auburndale Auburndale1 Inspection Completed - No Further Action
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Operated by Tice Lakeland1 Inspection Completed - No Further Action
Twin Peaks Lakeland0 Inspection Completed - No Further Action
Carrabba's Italian Grill Lakeland3 Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Polk County Restaurants: Most Common Health Violations

Polk County Restaurants: Disciplinary Actions & Fines

403Actions on Record
$154,740Total Fines
$405Avg Fine
$3,000Largest Fine
275Facilities Fined

Largest Fines (Past 12 Months)

DateBusinessFineCase
Nov 19, 2025 Sweet Cup Cafe 1 $800 3--2025039296
Jun 23, 2025 Stonegate Golf Club - the Grill @ Stonegate $400 3--2025040335
Jul 14, 2025 Fancy Q Sushi & Thai $400 3--2025042948
Aug 7, 2025 Taco Loco $400 3--2025050984
Aug 14, 2025 Egg Factory of South Lakeland $400 3--2025054720
Aug 20, 2025 2 Ole'dawgs LLC $400 3--2025033061
Sep 10, 2025 Denny's 6824 $400 3--2025059956
Sep 24, 2025 Zaxby's $400 3--2025063129
Oct 13, 2025 Spice Thai Sushi $400 3--2025067755
Oct 14, 2025 Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Operated by Tice $400 3--2025067779

Polk County Restaurants: Fire Safety Violations

139Fire Violations
89Facilities Cited

Most Common Fire Safety Issues

IssueCitations
Other fire safety violation 37
Fire extinguisher in red zone 33
Cooking without hood suppression 23
Missing boiler certificate/report 18
Exit blocked or locked 18
Propane tank stored inside building 10

Polk 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. Polk County has 1,640 FDACS-regulated facilities with 3,263 inspections on record and 2,210 stop-sale orders issued.

1,640Retail Facilities
3,263FDACS Inspections
2,210Stop-Sale Orders
133Orders in 2026

Polk 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.

DateFacilityCityProductReason
7-eleven Store #32706c Ssb Huss Enterprise INC. ClermontBrand Name: (Lot #:) FS 500.04; FS 500.10 Adulterated.* Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Pro…
7-eleven Store #32706c Ssb Huss Enterprise INC. ClermontBrand Name: (Lot #:) FS 500.04; FS 500.10 Adulterated.* Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Pro…
7-eleven Store #32706c Ssb Huss Enterprise INC. ClermontBrand Name: (Lot #:) FS 500.04; FS 500.10 Adulterated.* Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Pro…
Seven-brothers-foodmart-09932 LakelandBrand Name: (Lot #:) FS 500.04; FS 500.10 Adulterated.* Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Pro…
Seven-brothers-foodmart-09932 LakelandBrand Name: (Lot #:) FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Utensils, Equipment and Vending…
Dutch-bros-coffee-419335 DavenportBrand Name: (Lot #:) FS 500.04; FS 500.172 Unsanitary Equipment.* Chapter 5K-4: Food deemed adulterat…
3 Plus Smoke Shop Haines CityBrand Name: (Lot #:) 500.10(1)(a), 581.217(3)(e), F.S., 893.03(1)(c)190.a., F.S.* Controlled Substanc…
3 Plus Smoke Shop Haines CityBrand Name: (Lot #:) 500.10(1)(a), 581.217(3)(e), F.S., 893.03(1)(c)190.a., F.S.* Controlled Substanc…
3 Plus Smoke Shop Haines CityBrand Name: (Lot #:) FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Approved Source: Food obtained …
3 Plus Smoke Shop Haines CityBrand Name: (Lot #:) FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Approved Source: Food obtained …

Browse all FDACS stop-sale order categories →

Polk County FDACS: Most Cited Code Violations

Browse all FDACS violation codes →

Polk County Retail Food Chains (FDACS)

ChainLocationsStop-Sale OrdersCitations
Dollar General 52 57 2,871
7-Eleven 36 84 2,422
Walgreens 26 1 743
Publix 24 30 875
Circle K 22 102 1,574
Dollar Tree 21 9 1,084
Starbucks 21 77 1,170
Aldi 17 2 310

All Florida retail food chains →

About FDACS Retail Food Inspections →

Polk County: Notable Restaurants

Polk County: Restaurant Chains (DBPR)

ChainLocationsViolationsClosures
McDonalds 38 1,634 2
Subway 29 877 0
Wendys 19 1,167 1
Taco Bell 19 959 0
Burger King 18 590 2
Dunkin 13 456 0
Hungry Howies 12 679 0
Chipotle 9 303 0
Kfc 8 692 1
Checkers 7 566 3

Polk County Restaurant Inspections: FAQ

How many restaurants are in Polk County?
Polk County, Florida has 2755 food establishments tracked by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
What is the restaurant inspection pass rate in Polk County?
The current pass rate for food establishments in Polk County is 87.5%. The Florida state average is 86%.
How many restaurants were shut down in Polk County this year?
16 food establishments in Polk County have been shut down by health inspectors in 2026.
What are the most common health violations in Polk County?
The most frequently cited violations in Polk County are: Consumer advisory, Food contact surfaces, Proper hand/arm washing.
Which restaurant chain has the most locations in Polk County?
McDonalds has the most locations in Polk County with 38 establishments.
What was the most recent restaurant closure in Polk County?
Taqueria Don Gonzalo LLC in Haines City was shut down on April 15, 2026 for roach activity.
How does Polk County compare to the Florida state average?
Polk County has a pass rate of 87.5%, which is 1.5 percentage points above the state average of 86%. The average violations per inspection is 3.3 compared to the state average of 4.67.
How often are restaurants inspected in Polk County?
Food establishments in Polk County have an average of 7.1 inspections on record. Florida DBPR conducts routine inspections based on facility type and risk level.
How much in fines have restaurants in Polk County been assessed?
Food establishments in Polk County have been assessed $154,740 in fines across 403 disciplinary actions. The average fine is $405 and the largest single fine was $3,000.
How many fire safety violations have been found in Polk County restaurants?
139 fire safety violations have been documented across 89 food establishments in Polk County. The most common issue is other fire safety violation.
Are grocery stores and retail food stores in Polk 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. Polk County, Florida has 1,640 FDACS-regulated retail food facilities with 3,263 inspections on record.
How many FDACS stop-sale orders have been issued in Polk County?
FDACS has issued 2,210 stop-sale orders at retail food establishments in Polk County, including 133 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 Polk County

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Polk County Restaurants & Food Establishments (2,725)

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Operated by Tice 6 closures

3815 FLORIDA AVE, Lakeland

53 inspections · 296 violations · Last: May 2026

Grriffins Restaurant Dining Sports Bar-banquet 6 closures

2925 HWY 60 E, Lake Wales

41 inspections · 222 violations · Last: Mar 2026

Orange Bowl Lanes/ Lucky's 6 closures

4318 US 98 N, Lakeland

44 inspections · 167 violations · Last: Jan 2026

Havana Cafe Delights INC 4 closures

155 E MAIN ST, Bartow

48 inspections · 294 violations · Last: May 2026

Beef 'o' Brady's 4 closures

4515 S FLORIDA AVE, Lakeland

41 inspections · 218 violations · Last: Feb 2026

Spice Thai Sushi 4 closures

3895 S FLORIDA AVE, Lakeland

36 inspections · 189 violations · Last: Nov 2025

Fire Hot Pot & BBQ 4 closures

4250 US 98 N, Lakeland

39 inspections · 159 violations · Last: Apr 2026

Rositas Mexican Restaurant 4 closures

741 N WABASH AVE, Lakeland

27 inspections · 106 violations · Last: Feb 2026

Aria Steakhouse 3 closures

325 W CENTRAL AVE, Winter Haven

36 inspections · 156 violations · Last: Apr 2026

Cheng's Panda World LLC 3 closures

6214 US HWY 98 N, Lakeland

29 inspections · 142 violations · Last: May 2026

Beef O Bradys 3 closures

102 W POLK ST, Auburndale

30 inspections · 131 violations · Last: Dec 2025

Shanghai Chinese Restaurant 3 closures

2344 GRIFFIN RD, Lakeland

28 inspections · 130 violations · Last: Feb 2026

China Wok 3 closures

3800 US HIGHWAY 98 N, Lakeland

32 inspections · 100 violations · Last: Jan 2026

Hibachi Buffet 2 closures

901 MEMORIAL BLVD, Lakeland

43 inspections · 381 violations · Last: Apr 2026

Beef 'o' Brady's 2 closures

540 W CENTRAL AVE, Lake Wales

40 inspections · 330 violations · Last: Jan 2026

Moe's Southwest Grill 2 closures

1326 TOWN CENTER DR E, Lakeland

45 inspections · 229 violations · Last: Mar 2026

Lings Buffet 2 closures

4320 S FLORIDA AVE, Lakeland

35 inspections · 215 violations · Last: Apr 2026

Egg Factory of South Lakeland 2 closures

6960 S FLORIDA AVE, Lakeland

34 inspections · 206 violations · Last: Sep 2025

China Garden 2 closures

1527 BARTOW RD, Lakeland

28 inspections · 181 violations · Last: Mar 2026

Gators Dockside Highland City 2 closures

5147 US 98 S, Lakeland

28 inspections · 160 violations · Last: Mar 2026