Sophie's Cafe in Sebring

Last inspected:

120 Sebring Sq, Sebring, FL 33870
Overview

Sophie's Cafe in Sebring was emergency-closed on July 15, 2025 for rodent activity. The facility has accumulated 124 violations across 20 inspections since January 2022, averaging 6.2 violations per inspection—above the statewide average of 5.2. High-priority violations have been recurrent and serious: proper hand washing was cited in at least 7 inspections, employee health policy violations in 2 inspections, and food contact surface violations in multiple inspections. The facility also received three fire safety citations between 2020 and 2025 for cooking equipment producing grease-laden vapors without proper hood suppression system installation. A disciplinary action resulting in $400 in fines was issued. On July 16, 2025, one day after the emergency closure for rodent activity, an emergency order callback inspection found 15 violations and the facility achieved compliance. The most recent inspection on November 6, 2025 resulted in 15 violations (1 high-priority) with the disposition "Inspection Completed - No Further Action."

Most recent closure: July 15, 2025 for rodent activity.

Summary generated from Florida DBPR public inspection records.

21Inspections
130Violations
1Closures
3Fire
$400in Fines

Last inspected DBPR:

Sophie's Cafe in Sebring: Comparison to Highlands County Averages

This Facility 6.2 violations / inspection 6.2 violations per inspection
Highlands County Avg 5.62 violations / inspection 5.62 county average
This Facility 1 emergency closures 1 closures
Highlands County Avg 0.25 closures / facility 0.25 county average

Sophie's Cafe in Sebring: Emergency Closure History (1)

Emergency closure history for Sophie's Cafe in Sebring
DateReasonReopened
Rodent activity 09:30:00

Sophie's Cafe in Sebring: Fines & Disciplinary Actions (1)

Total fines on record: $400.00

Disciplinary action history for Sophie's Cafe in Sebring
Action DateCase NumberFineViolation DateEnforcement Office
7--2025052987 $400.00 Jul 15, 2025 Fort Lauderdale

Sophie's Cafe in Sebring: Fire Safety & Life Safety Violations (3)

— 1 fire violation

— Routine - Food · Call Back - Complied

Inspector Observation: - From initial inspection : Use of cooking equipment producing grease laden vapors/smoke with no hood suppression system installed. Notified Fire AHJ. For reporting purposes only. Establishment is utilizing a fryer that is not under a hood suppression system. Observed grease buildup on wall and ceiling near fryer. - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-15: Operator has ordered exhaust. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
Legal Basis: Reporting: (d) The division, or its agent, shall notify the local firesafety authority or the State Fire Marshal of any readily observable violation of a rule adopted under chapter 633 which relates to public lodging establishments or public food establishments, and the identification of such violation does not require any firesafety inspection certification. For reporting purposes only.
— 1 fire violation

— Routine - Food · Warning Issued

Inspector Observation: Use of cooking equipment producing grease laden vapors/smoke with no hood suppression system installed. Notified Fire AHJ. For reporting purposes only. Establishment is utilizing a fryer that is not under a hood suppression system. Observed grease buildup on wall and ceiling near fryer.
Legal Basis: Reporting: (d) The division, or its agent, shall notify the local firesafety authority or the State Fire Marshal of any readily observable violation of a rule adopted under chapter 633 which relates to public lodging establishments or public food establishments, and the identification of such violation does not require any firesafety inspection certification. For reporting purposes only.
— 1 fire violation

— Routine - Food · 49-05-4 · Warning Issued

Inspector Observation: Flammables stored near a source of ignition. For reporting purposes only. Observed cardboard panels stored with and against gas hot water heater.
Legal Basis: Reporting: (d) The division, or its agent, shall notify the local firesafety authority or the State Fire Marshal of any readily observable violation of a rule adopted under chapter 633 which relates to public lodging establishments or public food establishments, and the identification of such violation does not require any firesafety inspection certification. For reporting purposes only.

Sophie's Cafe in Sebring: Full Inspection History — DBPR (21)

— 1 inspection5 violations · 3 high priority
— Routine - Food· 5 violations (3 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V08 Proper hand/arm washing
V10 Approved food source
V16 Proper cooking temps

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils
V41 Toilet facilities
— 6 inspections28 violations · 17 high priority
— Routine - Food· 5 violations (4 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V08 Proper hand/arm washing
V12 Shell stock requirements
V13 Parasite destruction
V24 Toxic substance control

Intermediate Violations

V35 Single-use items
— Routine - Food· 5 violations (3 high priority)· Emergency Order Callback Complied

High Priority Violations

V08 Proper hand/arm washing
V14 Food contact surfaces
V22 Consumer advisory

Intermediate Violations

V35 Single-use items

Basic Violations

V53 Outer openings protected
— Routine - Food· 9 violations (4 high priority)· Emergency order recommended

High Priority Violations

V08 Proper hand/arm washing
V11 Food in good condition
V14 Food contact surfaces
V22 Consumer advisory

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils
V35 Single-use items
V36 Proper ventilation
V41 Toilet facilities

Basic Violations

V53 Outer openings protected
— Routine - Food· 2 violations (1 high priority)· Call Back - Complied

High Priority Violations

V22 Consumer advisory

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils
— Routine - Food· 5 violations (4 high priority)· Warning Issued

High Priority Violations

V02 Employee health policy
V08 Proper hand/arm washing
V12 Shell stock requirements
V22 Consumer advisory

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils
— Routine - Food· 2 violations (1 high priority)· Call Back - Complied

High Priority Violations

V22 Consumer advisory

Basic Violations

V45 Floor maintenance
— 2 inspections12 violations · 8 high priority
— Routine - Food· 8 violations (5 high priority)· Warning Issued

High Priority Violations

V02 Employee health policy
V05 Handwashing procedures
V08 Proper hand/arm washing
V11 Food in good condition
V22 Consumer advisory

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils
V41 Toilet facilities

Basic Violations

V45 Floor maintenance
— Routine - Food· 4 violations (3 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V03 Employee health reporting
V08 Proper hand/arm washing
V21 Time as control

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils
— 1 inspection2 violations · 1 high priority
— Routine - Food· 2 violations (1 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils
— 4 inspections18 violations · 10 high priority
— Routine - Food· 5 violations (3 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V03 Employee health reporting
V08 Proper hand/arm washing
V12 Shell stock requirements

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils
V33 Proper cooling equipment
— Routine - Food· 3 violations · Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils
V36 Proper ventilation

Basic Violations

V50 Adequate lighting
— Routine - Food· 4 violations (3 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V03 Employee health reporting
V08 Proper hand/arm washing
V14 Food contact surfaces

Intermediate Violations

V40 Wiping cloths usage
— Routine - Food· 6 violations (4 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V02 Employee health policy
V03 Employee health reporting
V08 Proper hand/arm washing
V22 Consumer advisory

Intermediate Violations

V29 Proper sewage disposal
V41 Toilet facilities
— 2 inspections13 violations · 9 high priority
— Complaint Full· 9 violations (6 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V08 Proper hand/arm washing
V12 Shell stock requirements
V13 Parasite destruction
V14 Food contact surfaces
V22 Consumer advisory
V24 Toxic substance control

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils
V36 Proper ventilation
V41 Toilet facilities
— Routine - Food· 4 violations (3 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V03 Employee health reporting
V08 Proper hand/arm washing
V16 Proper cooking temps

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils
— 3 inspections15 violations · 7 high priority
— Routine - Food· 2 violations (1 high priority)· Call Back - Admin. complaint recommended

High Priority Violations

V14 Food contact surfaces

Basic Violations

V53 Outer openings protected
— Routine - Food· 11 violations (5 high priority)· Warning Issued

High Priority Violations

V08 Proper hand/arm washing
V12 Shell stock requirements
V14 Food contact surfaces
V22 Consumer advisory
V25 Allergen awareness

Intermediate Violations

V29 Proper sewage disposal
V31 Clean multi-use utensils
V40 Wiping cloths usage
V41 Toilet facilities

Basic Violations

V49 Non-food contact surfaces
V53 Outer openings protected
— Routine - Food· 2 violations (1 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils
— 2 inspections6 violations · 5 high priority
— Routine - Food· 6 violations (5 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V02 Employee health policy
V08 Proper hand/arm washing
V14 Food contact surfaces
V16 Proper cooking temps
V22 Consumer advisory

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils
— Food-Licensing Inspection· 0 violations · Inspection Completed - No Further Action

No violations recorded for this inspection.

Sophie's Cafe in Sebring: Frequently Asked Questions

When was Sophie's Cafe in Sebring last inspected?
Sophie's Cafe in Sebring was last inspected by Florida DBPR on April 14, 2026. The result was: Inspection Completed - No Further Action.
When was Sophie's Cafe in Sebring last shut down?
Sophie's Cafe in Sebring was last shut down on July 15, 2025 for rodent activity. This data reflects state records at time of publication. The facility may have since resolved these issues.
What are the most common violations at Sophie's Cafe in Sebring?
The most frequently cited violations at Sophie's Cafe in Sebring are: Proper hand/arm washing, Clean multi-use utensils, Consumer advisory.
How many health inspections has Sophie's Cafe in Sebring had?
Sophie's Cafe in Sebring has had 21 inspections on record with Florida DBPR, averaging 6.2 violations per inspection, above the statewide average of 5.2.
What did the most recent inspection of Sophie's Cafe in Sebring find?
Sophie's Cafe in Sebring was most recently inspected on April 14, 2026 with 6 violation(s), including 3 high-priority violation(s). Disposition: Inspection Completed - No Further Action.
Has Sophie's Cafe in Sebring ever been shut down?
Yes, Sophie's Cafe in Sebring has been emergency-closed 1 time by Florida DBPR inspectors.
What does Florida violation V08 (Proper hand/arm washing) mean?
Violation 08 (Proper hand/arm washing) is classified as a high priority violation under Florida DBPR food safety regulations. See the full explanation at floridafoodsafety.org/violation/08.
What does Florida violation V10 (Approved food source) mean?
Violation 10 (Approved food source) is classified as a high priority violation under Florida DBPR food safety regulations. See the full explanation at floridafoodsafety.org/violation/10.
What does Florida violation V16 (Proper cooking temps) mean?
Violation 16 (Proper cooking temps) is classified as a high priority violation under Florida DBPR food safety regulations. See the full explanation at floridafoodsafety.org/violation/16.
Has Sophie's Cafe in Sebring had any fire safety violations?
Yes, Sophie's Cafe in Sebring has 3 fire safety violation(s) on record from Florida state fire inspections.
Has Sophie's Cafe in Sebring faced any disciplinary actions?
Yes, Sophie's Cafe in Sebring has 1 disciplinary action(s) on record with Florida DBPR totaling $400.00 in fines.
How much has Sophie's Cafe in Sebring been fined?
Sophie's Cafe in Sebring has been fined a total of $400.00 across 1 disciplinary action(s) on record with Florida DBPR.

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This page is maintained by FloridaFoodSafety.org and is not affiliated with Sophie's Cafe. How we collect and verify this data.