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
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)
| 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 |
| Exit blocked or locked | 18 |
| Missing boiler certificate/report | 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
53 inspections
296 violations
6 closures
Grriffins Restaurant Dining Sports Bar-banquet
41 inspections
222 violations
6 closures
Orange Bowl Lanes/ Lucky's
44 inspections
167 violations
6 closures
Havana Cafe Delights INC
48 inspections
294 violations
4 closures
Davenport's Sports Bar & Grill
48 inspections
325 violations
1 closures
Twin Peaks
30 inspections
95 violations
1 closures
Polk County: Restaurant Chains (DBPR)
| Chain | Locations | Violations | Closures |
|---|---|---|---|
| McDonalds | 38 | 1,634 | 2 |
| Subway | 29 | 877 | 0 |
| Taco Bell | 19 | 959 | 0 |
| Wendys | 19 | 1,167 | 1 |
| 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
See all 18 stories ↓
Kissimmee Convenience Store Sold Unlabeled Juice While Operating Without a Permit
State inspectors found unlabeled juice, raw eggs stored over ready-to-eat food, and cleaning chemicals above beverages a…
Stories You May Have Missed
- Kissimmee Convenience Store Sold Unlabeled Juice While Operating Without a Permit
- Kissimmee Flea Market Snack Kiosk Had No Running Water, Unlabeled Food in March Inspection
- Lakeland Hibachi Buffet Logged 7 High-Severity Violations, Stayed Open
- Polk County's Worst Week: 7 High-Severity Violations at One Lakeland Buffet
- Polk County's Worst Restaurant Week: 7 High Violations at One Buffet
- Polk County's Worst Restaurant Inspections, April 21-27, 2026
- Ross Dress For Less in Kissimmee Flagged for Repeat Bodily Fluid Cleanup Violation
- Krispy Kreme in Lakeland Cited for Hand-Washing Failures, Repeat Grime Buildup
- Haines City Taqueria Shut Down for Roach Activity, Reopened Same Day
- Polk County's Worst Week: 12 Restaurants Failed on High-Risk Violations, April 2026
- Clermont 7-Eleven Had Chicken Wings at 126°F in April, a Repeat Violation
- Sticky Residue on Drink Spigots, Improper Chicken Thaw at Polk City Love's Travel Stop
- Davila Bakery Cleared to Open After Missing Key Food Safety Paperwork
- Lake Wales Bakery Cited 12 Times in April, Including Sewage Plumbing Flaw
- Lakeland Circle K Cited Again for Kratom Labels Missing Required Safety Data
Polk County Restaurants & Food Establishments (2,725)
Peach House Lakeland
733 E PALMETTO ST, Lakeland
22 inspections · 117 violations · Last: Apr 2026Kiki's Egg House
720 N CHARLESTON AVE, Fort Meade
22 inspections · 117 violations · Last: Mar 2026Happy House
6856 S FLORIDA AVE, Lakeland
21 inspections · 116 violations · Last: Jan 2026Bob Evans Restaurant 123
3130 US HWY 98 N, Lakeland
23 inspections · 116 violations · Last: Apr 2026Streamsong Golf Clubhouse
3000 DUNES PASS, Streamsong
23 inspections · 116 violations · Last: Dec 2025Chili's Grill & Bar
23535 HWY 27 & THOMPSON NURSERY RD, Lake Wales
22 inspections · 115 violations · Last: Mar 2026Carrabba's Italian Grill
910 3 ST SW, Winter Haven
23 inspections · 114 violations · Last: Apr 2026Longhorn Steakhouse of W. Haven
875 1ST ST SW, Winter Haven
26 inspections · 114 violations · Last: Mar 2026Nutwood
132 AVE B SW, Winter Haven
25 inspections · 113 violations · Last: Apr 2026Johns Drive in
17 N CHARLESTON AVE, Fort Meade
21 inspections · 112 violations · Last: May 2026Dundee Downtown Pizza and Burgers
219 E MAIN ST STE B, Dundee
23 inspections · 112 violations · Last: Feb 2026Sofresh
4756 S FLORIDA AVE, Lakeland
26 inspections · 111 violations · Last: Feb 2026Denny's
3204 US 98 N, Lakeland
28 inspections · 111 violations · Last: Mar 2026Denny's #7654
44111 N HWY 27, Davenport
25 inspections · 111 violations · Last: Apr 2026Piper Golf Club
8575 WHITE SHARK BLVD, Champions Gate
24 inspections · 110 violations · Last: Apr 2026Jones Foods LLC
3509 US HWY 98 N, Lakeland
28 inspections · 110 violations · Last: Feb 2026Lakeland Country Club
929 LAKE HOLLINGSWORTH DR, Lakeland
20 inspections · 110 violations · Last: Mar 2026Bob Evans Restaurant 164
43700 HWY 27, Davenport
25 inspections · 110 violations · Last: Apr 2026Bubbaques
2444 HWY 92 E, Lakeland
24 inspections · 110 violations · Last: Dec 2025Saigon Bistro Restaurant
1554 TOWN CENTER DRIVE, Lakeland
25 inspections · 110 violations · Last: Mar 2026