Sarasota — Food Safety Records: DBPR & FDACS
Sarasota, Florida has 1189 food establishments with 14,058 inspections on record. 4 establishments were shut down this year. The pass rate is 90.4%, above the state average of 86%. Inspections average 4.7 violations per visit.
Most recent closure: Fat Daddios Pizza in Sarasota, shut down March 25, 2026 for rodent activity.
Largest fine: $1,600 assessed to Art Ovation Hotel in Sarasota on March 11, 2026.
Data from Florida DBPR (restaurants) and FDACS (retail food). Updated May 2026.
Most-Inspected Facilities
| Business | Inspections | Violations | Closures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuzzy 55 Restaurant | 35 | 296 | 2 |
| F.l.a. Deli | 35 | 267 | 2 |
| China Kitchen | 23 | 230 | 2 |
| Breakfast House | 33 | 220 | 2 |
| Sun Garden Cafe | 34 | 201 | 2 |
Sarasota Restaurants: Comparison to Florida State Averages
Sarasota
90.4%
Pass Rate
90.4%
Florida Average
86%
Pass Rate
86%
Sarasota
4.7
Avg Violations / Inspection
4.7
Florida Average
4.7
Avg Violations / Inspection
4.7
Sarasota
0.34
Closures per 100 Facilities
0.34
Florida Average
1.37
Closures per 100 Facilities
1.37
Sarasota Restaurants: Recent Closures (1)
| Date | Business | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Fat Daddios Pizza | Rodent activity |
Sarasota Restaurants: Recent Inspections (Last 30 Days)
| Date | Business | Violations | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria | 6 (2 high) | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Mymamma | 3 | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Sara's Italian Kitchen | 1 | Call Back - Complied | |
| Walts Fish Market South | 6 (1 high) | Warning Issued | |
| Lovely Square | 4 | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Serenoa Grill | 1 | Call Back - Complied | |
| Libby's Neighborhood Brasserie | 7 (1 high) | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Brew Life Brewing INC | 1 | Call Back - Extension given, pending | |
| Phillippi Creek Villag Oys Bar | 11 (1 high) | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Alpine Steakhouse & Karl Ehmer Meats | 6 | Inspection Completed - No Further Action |
Sarasota Restaurants: Most Common Health Violations
| Code | Violation | Citations |
|---|---|---|
| 08 | Proper hand/arm washing | 119,674 |
| 14 | Food contact surfaces | 100,771 |
| 31 | Clean multi-use utensils | 100,610 |
| 22 | Consumer advisory | 90,341 |
| 36 | Proper ventilation | 83,591 |
Sarasota Restaurants: Disciplinary Actions & Fines
Largest Fines (Past 12 Months)
| Date | Business | Fine | Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 11, 2026 | Art Ovation Hotel | $1,600 | 7--2026009824 |
| Oct 21, 2025 | Green Zebra Cafe | $1,600 | 7--2025047454 |
| Nov 25, 2025 | China Kitchen | $1,600 | 7--2025060114 |
| Feb 23, 2026 | Green Zebra Cafe | $1,600 | 7--2025071275 |
| Sep 10, 2025 | Super Buffet | $1,200 | 7--2025062465 |
| Mar 4, 2026 | Florence and the Spice Boys | $800 | 7--2025091992 |
| Oct 23, 2025 | Chipotle Mexican Grill #1040 | $800 | 7--2025069758 |
| Oct 21, 2025 | Phillippi Creek Villag Oys Bar | $800 | 7--2025071290 |
| Sep 10, 2025 | Geckos Grill & Pub | $800 | 7--2025060650 |
| Aug 13, 2025 | Shaner's Pizza | $800 | 7--2025051765 |
Sarasota Restaurants: Fire Safety Violations
Most Common Fire Safety Issues
| Issue | Citations |
|---|---|
| Exit blocked or locked | 92 |
| Fire extinguisher in red zone | 64 |
| Other fire safety violation | 49 |
| Propane tank stored inside building | 47 |
| Missing boiler certificate/report | 10 |
| Cooking without hood suppression | 8 |
Sarasota 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. Sarasota has 430 FDACS-regulated facilities with 877 inspections on record and 83 stop-sale orders issued.
Sarasota 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kwik Stop | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500.04; FS 500.10 Adulterated.* Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Pro… | |
| Beechwood Mobil Establishment #: 413763 | Hot Chocolate Machine (Curtis) | FS 500.04; FS 500.172 Unsanitary Equipment.* Physical Facilities: Plumbing insta… | |
| Beechwood Mobil Establishment #: 413763 | Coffee Maker (Bunn) | FS 500.04; FS 500.172 Unsanitary Equipment.* Physical Facilities: Plumbing insta… | |
| Beechwood Mobil Establishment #: 413763 | Hot Case (Resfab) | FS 500.04; FS 500.172 Unsanitary Equipment." Physical Facilities: Plumbing insta… | |
| Beechwood Mobil Establishment #: 413763 | Microwave Oven (Midea) | FS 500.04; FS 500,172 Unsanitary Equipment.* Physical Facilities; Plumbing Ineta… | |
| Beechwood Mobil Establishment #: 413763 | Oven (Cadeo) | FS 500.04; FS 500.172 Unsanitary Equipment.* Physical Facilities: Plumbing insta… | |
| Beechwood Mobil Establishment #: 413763 | — (Pitco) | FS 500.04; FS 500.172 Unsanitary Equipment.* Physical Facilities: Plumbing insta… | |
| Beechwood Mobil Establishment #: 413763 | — (Beechwood Mobil) | FS 500.04; FS 500.172 Unsanitary Equipment.* Physical Facilities: Plumbing insta… | |
| Beechwood Mobil Establishment #: 413763 | Oven (Avantco) | FS 500.04; FS 500.172 Unsanitary Equipment.* Physical Facilities: Plumbing insta… | |
| Beechwood Mobil Establishment #: 413763 | — (Hamilton Beach) | FS 500.04; FS 500,172 Unsanitary Equipment.* Physical Facilities: Plumbing insta… |
Browse all FDACS stop-sale order categories →
Sarasota FDACS: Most Cited Code Violations
Browse all FDACS violation codes →
Sarasota Retail Food Chains (FDACS)
| Chain | Locations | Stop-Sale Orders | Citations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starbucks | 11 | 77 | 1,170 |
| 7-Eleven | 11 | 84 | 2,422 |
| Publix | 8 | 30 | 875 |
| Walgreens | 6 | 1 | 743 |
| Wawa | 4 | 14 | 430 |
| RaceTrac | 4 | 29 | 460 |
| CVS | 3 | 9 | 882 |
| Aldi | 3 | 2 | 310 |
Sarasota: Notable Restaurants
Fuzzy 55 Restaurant
35 inspections
296 violations
2 closures
F.l.a. Deli
35 inspections
267 violations
2 closures
China Kitchen
23 inspections
230 violations
2 closures
Denny's
49 inspections
382 violations
Michelangelo Pizzeria & Cucina
38 inspections
462 violations
1 closures
Steak N Shake
38 inspections
298 violations
1 closures
Sarasota: Restaurant Chains (DBPR)
| Chain | Locations | Violations | Closures |
|---|---|---|---|
| McDonalds | 12 | 622 | 0 |
| Subway | 12 | 454 | 0 |
| Dunkin | 9 | 611 | 0 |
| Taco Bell | 5 | 465 | 1 |
| Panera Bread | 4 | 399 | 0 |
| Chick-fil-a | 4 | 216 | 0 |
| Jersey Mikes | 4 | 343 | 0 |
| Wendys | 4 | 397 | 1 |
| First Watch | 4 | 307 | 0 |
| Tropical Smoothie | 4 | 102 | 0 |
Sarasota Restaurant Inspections: FAQ
- How many restaurants are in Sarasota?
- Sarasota, Florida has 1189 food establishments tracked by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
- What is the restaurant inspection pass rate in Sarasota?
- The current pass rate for food establishments in Sarasota is 90.4%. The Florida state average is 86%.
- How many restaurants were shut down in Sarasota this year?
- 4 food establishments in Sarasota have been shut down by health inspectors in 2026.
- What are the most common health violations in Sarasota?
- The most frequently cited violations in Sarasota are: Proper hand/arm washing, Food contact surfaces, Clean multi-use utensils.
- Which restaurant chain has the most locations in Sarasota?
- McDonalds has the most locations in Sarasota with 12 establishments.
- What was the most recent restaurant closure in Sarasota?
- Fat Daddios Pizza in Sarasota was shut down on March 25, 2026 for rodent activity.
- How does Sarasota compare to the Florida state average?
- Sarasota has a pass rate of 90.4%, which is 4.4 percentage points above the state average of 86%. The average violations per inspection is 4.7 compared to the state average of 4.67.
- How often are restaurants inspected in Sarasota?
- Food establishments in Sarasota have an average of 11.8 inspections on record. Florida DBPR conducts routine inspections based on facility type and risk level.
- How much in fines have restaurants in Sarasota been assessed?
- Food establishments in Sarasota have been assessed $225,950 in fines across 597 disciplinary actions. The average fine is $384 and the largest single fine was $4,800.
- How many fire safety violations have been found in Sarasota restaurants?
- 270 fire safety violations have been documented across 164 food establishments in Sarasota. The most common issue is exit blocked or locked.
- Are grocery stores and retail food stores in Sarasota 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. Sarasota, Florida has 430 FDACS-regulated retail food facilities with 877 inspections on record.
- How many FDACS stop-sale orders have been issued in Sarasota?
- FDACS has issued 83 stop-sale orders at retail food establishments in Sarasota, including 22 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 Sarasota
See all 8 stories ↓
Sarasota Kwik Stop Cited for 13 Violations, Boiled Peanuts Pulled in March Inspection
A March 2026 FDACS inspection of a Sarasota Kwik Stop found boiled peanuts held below safe temperature and a stop sale o…
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Sarasota Restaurants & Food Establishments (1,173)
Lobster Pot Seafood Restaurant
5157 OCEAN BLVD, Sarasota
18 inspections · 103 violations · Last: Nov 2025Old Salty Dog City Isl (the)
1601 KEN THOMPSON PKWY, Sarasota
21 inspections · 103 violations · Last: Dec 2025Cafe Gabbiano
5104 OCEAN BLVD, Sarasota
18 inspections · 102 violations · Last: Feb 2026Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood.
1435 MAIN ST, Sarasota
23 inspections · 102 violations · Last: Apr 2026Taco Bell #3057
8405 LOCKWOOD RIDGE RD, Sarasota
25 inspections · 101 violations · Last: Apr 2026La Brisa Tacos Glg INC
1156 N WASHINGTON BLVD UNIT C, Sarasota
23 inspections · 101 violations · Last: Mar 2026Spice Station
1438 BLVD OF THE ARTS, Sarasota
20 inspections · 101 violations · Last: Nov 2025Stoneybrook Golf & Country Clb
8801 STONEYBROOK BLVD, Sarasota
19 inspections · 101 violations · Last: Feb 2026Ruths Chris Steakhouse #29
6700 S TAMIAMI TRL, Sarasota
17 inspections · 101 violations · Last: Sep 2025Bangkok Restaurant
4791 SWIFT RD, Sarasota
18 inspections · 101 violations · Last: Sep 2025Chili's Grill & Bar Bee Ridge, Ch0518
5851 BEE RIDGE RD, Sarasota
19 inspections · 101 violations · Last: Dec 2025Viva La Vida
3440 CLARK RD, Sarasota
15 inspections · 100 violations · Last: Dec 2025Rita's Italian Ice of Southwest Florida
2881 CLARK RD STE 25, Sarasota
14 inspections · 100 violations · Last: Sep 2025Thai-licious INC
5755 BENEVA RD, Sarasota
18 inspections · 99 violations · Last: Mar 2026Original Wolfie's
1420 BLVD OF THE ARTS, Sarasota
21 inspections · 99 violations · Last: Jan 2026Tamiami Tap
711 SOUTH OSPREY AVENUE, Sarasota
21 inspections · 99 violations · Last: Dec 2025Culver's Restaurant
7250 TAMIAMI TR, Sarasota
20 inspections · 99 violations · Last: Apr 2026Gyros & Seafood Express
918 N WASHINGTON BLVD, Sarasota
22 inspections · 98 violations · Last: Nov 2025Town Hall Restaurant & Lounge
1970 DR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR WAY, Sarasota
20 inspections · 98 violations · Last: Nov 2025Blaze Pizza
215 N CATTLEMAN RD UNIT 60, Sarasota
23 inspections · 97 violations · Last: Nov 2025