Polk County — Food Safety Records: DBPR & FDACS
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.
Most-Inspected Facilities
| Business | City | Inspections | Violations | Closures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Operated by Tice | Lakeland | 52 | 295 | 6 |
| Grriffins Restaurant Dining Sports Bar-banquet | Lake Wales | 41 | 222 | 6 |
| Orange Bowl Lanes/ Lucky's | Lakeland | 44 | 167 | 6 |
| Havana Cafe Delights INC | Bartow | 48 | 294 | 4 |
| Beef 'o' Brady's | Lakeland | 41 | 218 | 4 |
Polk County Restaurants: Comparison to Florida State Averages
Polk County Restaurants: Recent Closures (5)
| Date | Business | City | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taqueria Don Gonzalo LLC | Haines City | Roach activity | |
| Buen Cafe | Davenport | Fly activity | |
| Tantrums Flightside Cafe & Catering | Bartow | Roach activity | |
| El Kiosko 38 Puerto Rican Food | Davenport | Roach & rodent activity | |
| El Toque Latin Restaurant | Davenport | Roach activity |
Polk County Restaurants: Recent Inspections (Last 30 Days)
| Date | Business | City | Violations | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xing Xing Kitchen | Lakeland | 0 | Call Back - Complied | |
| McDonald's 6641 | Auburndale | 2 (1 high) | Warning Issued | |
| Chipotle Mexican Grill of Colorado LLC | Lakeland | 2 (1 high) | Warning Issued | |
| Charlies Family Restaurant by Dee LLC | Lakeland | 2 | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Wingstop | Lakeland | 0 | Call Back - Complied | |
| Johns Drive in | Fort Meade | 4 (1 high) | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Camp Margaritaville Auburndale | Auburndale | 1 | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Operated by Tice | Lakeland | 1 | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Twin Peaks | Lakeland | 0 | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Carrabba's Italian Grill | Lakeland | 3 | Inspection Completed - No Further Action |
Polk County Restaurants: Most Common Health Violations
| Code | Violation | Citations |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | Consumer advisory | 142,959 |
| 14 | Food contact surfaces | 123,005 |
| 08 | Proper hand/arm washing | 102,740 |
| 36 | Proper ventilation | 100,864 |
| 23 | Chemical properly stored | 97,732 |
Polk County Restaurants: Disciplinary Actions & Fines
Largest Fines (Past 12 Months)
| Date | Business | Fine | Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
Most Common Fire Safety Issues
| Issue | Citations |
|---|---|
| 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.
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.
| Date | Facility | City | Product | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7-eleven Store #32706c Ssb Huss Enterprise INC. | Clermont | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500.04; FS 500.10 Adulterated.* Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Pro… | |
| 7-eleven Store #32706c Ssb Huss Enterprise INC. | Clermont | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500.04; FS 500.10 Adulterated.* Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Pro… | |
| 7-eleven Store #32706c Ssb Huss Enterprise INC. | Clermont | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500.04; FS 500.10 Adulterated.* Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Pro… | |
| Seven-brothers-foodmart-09932 | Lakeland | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500.04; FS 500.10 Adulterated.* Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Pro… | |
| Seven-brothers-foodmart-09932 | Lakeland | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Utensils, Equipment and Vending… | |
| Dutch-bros-coffee-419335 | Davenport | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500.04; FS 500.172 Unsanitary Equipment.* Chapter 5K-4: Food deemed adulterat… | |
| 3 Plus Smoke Shop | Haines City | Brand 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 City | Brand 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 City | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Approved Source: Food obtained … | |
| 3 Plus Smoke Shop | Haines City | Brand 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)
| Chain | Locations | Stop-Sale Orders | Citations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Polk County: Notable Restaurants
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Operated by Tice
Grriffins Restaurant Dining Sports Bar-banquet
Orange Bowl Lanes/ Lucky's
Havana Cafe Delights INC
Davenport's Sports Bar & Grill
Twin Peaks
Polk County: Restaurant Chains (DBPR)
| Chain | Locations | Violations | Closures |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
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Polk County Restaurants & Food Establishments (2,725)
Champs Sports Bar & Grill
6645 S FLORIDA AVE #14, Lakeland
23 inspections · 134 violations · Last: Mar 2026Reececliff Family Diner
940 S FLORIDA AVE, Lakeland
24 inspections · 133 violations · Last: Jan 2026Wendy's 7918
2002 HWY 60 E, Lake Wales
24 inspections · 133 violations · Last: Dec 2025Kentucky Fried Chicken
885 US HWY 60 W, Lake Wales
27 inspections · 133 violations · Last: Apr 2026Mojo Federal Swine & Spirits
130 S TENNESSEE AVE, Lakeland
22 inspections · 132 violations · Last: Apr 2026Red Lobster #6207
230 CYPRESS GARDENS BLVD, Winter Haven
25 inspections · 132 violations · Last: Dec 2025Louis Pappas Market Cafe
1318 TOWNCENTER DR, Lakeland
28 inspections · 132 violations · Last: Sep 2025Davenport Diner INC
40230 US 27 N #240, Davenport
27 inspections · 131 violations · Last: Mar 2026Bob Evans Restaurant 544
23269 HWY 27, Lake Wales
24 inspections · 131 violations · Last: Jan 2026Palace Pizza
114 S KENTUCKY AVE, Lakeland
26 inspections · 130 violations · Last: May 2026Arabellas Ristorante
346 W CENTRAL AVE, Winter Haven
24 inspections · 129 violations · Last: Apr 2026W Caribbean Cuban Restaurant INC
2215 S COMBEE RD, Lakeland
22 inspections · 128 violations · Last: Apr 2026Ovation Bistro & Bar
4715 S FLORIDA AVE, Lakeland
20 inspections · 127 violations · Last: Oct 2025Hooters
3400 US HWY 98 N, Lakeland
24 inspections · 126 violations · Last: Mar 2026Philly Steak and Wings
39859 US HWY 27, Davenport
21 inspections · 126 violations · Last: Mar 2026Qq to Go
42633 US 27 STE B6, Davenport
25 inspections · 126 violations · Last: Feb 2026Ovation Bistro & Bar
42605 US 27, Davenport
32 inspections · 126 violations · Last: Apr 2026Hungry Howie's
1101 S FLORIDA AVE, Lakeland
22 inspections · 126 violations · Last: Dec 2025Bedda Pizza
6595 FLORIDA AVE S, Lakeland
26 inspections · 125 violations · Last: Apr 2026Hungry Crab LLC
1551 3RD ST SW, Winter Haven
22 inspections · 125 violations · Last: Feb 2026