Walton County — Food Safety Records: DBPR & FDACS
Walton County, Florida has 904 food establishments with 5,979 inspections on record. The pass rate is 92.7%, above the state average of 85.9%. Inspections average 3.2 violations per visit.
Largest fine: $400 assessed to Cowgirl Kitchen Market in Santa Rosa Beach on March 2, 2026.
Data from Florida DBPR (restaurants) and FDACS (retail food). Updated June 2026.
Most-Inspected Facilities
| Business | City | Inspections | Violations | Closures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cafe Nola | Defuniak Springs | 34 | 115 | 4 |
| Poppy's Seafood & Hammerheads | Miramar | 35 | 216 | 2 |
| Thai 9 Cuisine | Miramar Beach | 38 | 150 | 2 |
| Marcos Pizza | Miramar Beach | 30 | 139 | 2 |
| Iron and Grape Italian Kitchen | Defuniak Springs | 27 | 60 | 2 |
Walton County Restaurants: Comparison to Florida State Averages
Walton County Restaurants: Recent Inspections (Last 30 Days)
| Date | Business | City | Violations | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lc's Pizza & Subs | Freeport | 0 | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Five Guys Burgers & Fries | Miramar Beach | 3 | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Shelby's Beach Bar & Grill | Santa Rosa Beach | 0 | Call Back - Complied | |
| Shelby's Beach Bar & Grill | Santa Rosa Beach | 1 | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Shunk Gulley | Santa Rosa Beach | 1 (1 high) | Call Back - Complied | |
| Shunk Gulley | Santa Rosa Beach | 9 (5 high) | Administrative complaint recommended | |
| Thai Elephant | Santa Rosa Beach | 1 | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Dunkin Donuts/baskin Robbins | Defuniak Springs | 0 | Call Back - Complied | |
| Shelby's Beach Bar & Grill | Santa Rosa Beach | 1 | Warning Issued | |
| Ghost Crab Pizza + Kitchen | Santa Rosa Beach | 0 | Inspection Completed - No Further Action |
Walton County Restaurants: Most Common Health Violations
| Code | Violation | Citations |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | Consumer advisory | 32,710 |
| 31 | Clean multi-use utensils | 31,938 |
| 08 | Proper hand/arm washing | 30,650 |
| 14 | Food contact surfaces | 29,034 |
| 53 | Outer openings protected | 23,238 |
Walton County Restaurants: Disciplinary Actions & Fines
Largest Fines (Past 12 Months)
| Date | Business | Fine | Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2, 2026 | Cowgirl Kitchen Market | $400 | 6--2026007937 |
| Aug 26, 2025 | Dude and Meatballs | $320 | 6--2025031621 |
| Aug 20, 2025 | Seacrest CafÉ | $240 | 6--2025041133 |
| Oct 29, 2025 | Li's Hot Wok Chinese Buffet | $200 | 6--2025074918 |
| Jan 22, 2026 | Marcos Pizza | $200 | 6--2025078887 |
| Sep 24, 2025 | Amor Cafe at 30a | $200 | 6--2025067052 |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Surf Hut Restaurant | $200 | 6--2025083430 |
| Jan 13, 2026 | Jimmy John's 3290 | $160 | 6--2025087374 |
| Dec 11, 2025 | Holiday Inn Express & Suites Destin-miramar Beach | $160 | 6--2025068150 |
Walton County Restaurants: Fire Safety Violations
Most Common Fire Safety Issues
| Issue | Citations |
|---|---|
| Other fire safety violation | 26 |
| Propane tank stored inside building | 15 |
| Fire extinguisher in red zone | 12 |
| Missing boiler certificate/report | 4 |
| Cooking without hood suppression | 4 |
| Exit blocked or locked | 1 |
Walton 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. Walton County has 537 FDACS-regulated facilities with 1,045 inspections on record and 725 stop-sale orders issued.
Walton 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunshine Bay Empire LLC | Panama City | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | ss. 893.03(1)(a) and 893.035, F.S., Department of Legal Affairs Emergency Rule 2… | |
| Sunshine Bay Empire LLC | Panama City | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500.04; FS 500.172 Unsanitary Equipment.* Physical Facilities: Hot and cold w… | |
| Sunshine Bay Empire LLC | Panama City | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Labeling Comments: Print Date:… | |
| Sunshine Bay Empire LLC | Panama City | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Labeling Comments: To request a… | |
| Sunshine Bay Empire LLC | Panama City | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Labeling Comments: To request a… | |
| Sunshine Bay Empire LLC | Panama City | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Labeling Comments: To request a… | |
| Sunshine Bay Empire LLC | Panama City | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Labeling Comments: To request a… | |
| Sunshine Bay Empire LLC | Panama City | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Labeling Comments: To request a… | |
| Sunshine Bay Empire LLC | Panama City | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Labeling Comments: To request a… | |
| Sunshine Bay Empire LLC | Panama City | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500; FAC 5K-4 Violation of Florida Food Law.* Labeling Comments: To request a… |
Browse all FDACS stop-sale order categories →
Walton County FDACS: Most Cited Code Violations
Browse all FDACS violation codes →
Walton County Retail Food Chains (FDACS)
| Chain | Locations | Stop-Sale Orders | Citations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dollar General | 17 | 57 | 2,871 |
| Winn-Dixie | 9 | 170 | 584 |
| Circle K | 6 | 102 | 1,574 |
| Dollar Tree | 5 | 9 | 1,084 |
| Publix | 5 | 30 | 875 |
| Starbucks | 5 | 77 | 1,170 |
| CVS | 4 | 9 | 882 |
| Family Dollar | 4 | 316 | 950 |
Walton County: Notable Restaurants
Cafe Nola
Poppy's Seafood & Hammerheads
Thai 9 Cuisine
Kfc F569056
Plateful Chinese Buffet
Grayton Seafood Company LLC
Walton County: Restaurant Chains (DBPR)
| Chain | Locations | Violations | Closures |
|---|---|---|---|
| McDonalds | 6 | 237 | 1 |
| Subway | 5 | 170 | 2 |
| Waffle House | 4 | 232 | 0 |
| Taco Bell | 3 | 135 | 0 |
| Dunkin | 3 | 261 | 0 |
| Chick-fil-a | 2 | 74 | 0 |
| Whataburger | 2 | 78 | 0 |
| Hungry Howies | 2 | 106 | 0 |
| Burger King | 2 | 142 | 0 |
| Dominos | 2 | 24 | 0 |
Walton County Restaurant Inspections: FAQ
- How many restaurants are in Walton County?
- Walton County, Florida has 904 food establishments tracked by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
- What is the restaurant inspection pass rate in Walton County?
- The current pass rate for food establishments in Walton County is 92.7%. The Florida state average is 85.9%.
- What are the most common health violations in Walton County?
- The most frequently cited violations in Walton County are: Consumer advisory, Clean multi-use utensils, Proper hand/arm washing.
- Which restaurant chain has the most locations in Walton County?
- McDonalds has the most locations in Walton County with 6 establishments.
- How does Walton County compare to the Florida state average?
- Walton County has a pass rate of 92.7%, which is 6.8 percentage points above the state average of 85.9%. The average violations per inspection is 3.2 compared to the state average of 4.66.
- How often are restaurants inspected in Walton County?
- Food establishments in Walton County have an average of 6.6 inspections on record. Florida DBPR conducts routine inspections based on facility type and risk level.
- How much in fines have restaurants in Walton County been assessed?
- Food establishments in Walton County have been assessed $48,280 in fines across 114 disciplinary actions. The average fine is $427 and the largest single fine was $3,360.
- How many fire safety violations have been found in Walton County restaurants?
- 62 fire safety violations have been documented across 50 food establishments in Walton County. The most common issue is other fire safety violation.
- Are grocery stores and retail food stores in Walton 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. Walton County, Florida has 537 FDACS-regulated retail food facilities with 1,045 inspections on record.
- How many FDACS stop-sale orders have been issued in Walton County?
- FDACS has issued 725 stop-sale orders at retail food establishments in Walton County, including 370 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 Walton County
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State inspectors found raw salmon stored directly above ready-to-eat avocado and summer rolls at a Miramar Publix sushi …
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- Sushi Rolls at Panama City Seafood Market Hit 45°F in January Inspection
- Miramar Beach Convenience Store Had No Valid Food Permit in February 2026
- Kenny D's in Miramar Beach Racked Up 9 High-Severity Violations in April 2026
- Panama City Dodge Store Failed Handwashing, Ice Testing in February Inspection
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- Lola's Coastal Italian Racked Up 9 High-Severity Violations and Stayed Open
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- Panama City Panaderia Cited for Glove Misuse, Unmarked Empanadas in March Inspection
- Panama City Market Stayed Open With 9 High-Severity Violations, Including Unknown Food Sources
Walton County Restaurants & Food Establishments (892)
P F Changs China Bistro #9843
640 GRAND BOULEVARD, Sandestin
17 inspections · 53 violations · Last: Feb 2026Blackstone Club House
108 BLACKSTONE LN, Mossy Head
19 inspections · 52 violations · Last: Apr 2026McDonald's
17750 STATE HWY 285 S, Defuniak Springs
14 inspections · 52 violations · Last: Oct 2025Thai Chiang Rai
4942 HWY 98 W STE 20, Santa Rosa Beach
15 inspections · 52 violations · Last: Jan 2026Pazzo Italiano Too
111 N COUNTY RD 393 UNIT 310, Santa Rosa Beach
13 inspections · 52 violations · Last: Feb 2026Amigos 30a Mexican Kitchen
12805 US HWY 98 E STE Q101, Inlet Beach
15 inspections · 52 violations · Last: Feb 2026Bubba Jacks LLC
119 SR 20W, Freeport
16 inspections · 51 violations · Last: Nov 2025Lc's Pizza & Subs
901 E HWY 20 STE 6, Freeport
17 inspections · 51 violations · Last: Jun 2026Barefoot BBQ
2221 EAST COUNTY HWY 30A, Santa Rosa Beach
25 inspections · 50 violations · Last: Mar 2026Dairy Queen Grill and Chill
16380 US HWY 331 S, Freeport
16 inspections · 49 violations · Last: Sep 2025Whataburger #913
2434 US 331 S, Defuniak Springs
17 inspections · 49 violations · Last: Jan 2026Subway
1226 FREEPORT RD, Defuniak Springs
22 inspections · 49 violations · Last: Sep 2025Blue Dunes Grill
9011 E HWY 98, Destin
14 inspections · 48 violations · Last: Aug 2025Proper Restaurant & Bar
12805 US HWY 98 E STE E101, Inlet Beach
16 inspections · 46 violations · Last: Jan 2026Commelfo
10859 EMERALD COAST PKWY 303-304, Miramar Beach
11 inspections · 46 violations · Last: Apr 2026Lakehouse
238 WATERCOLOR BLVD W, Santa Rosa Beach
20 inspections · 46 violations · Last: Jan 2026Hungry Howies Pizza #3048
2078 US HWY 98 W UNIT A103, Santa Rosa Beach
18 inspections · 46 violations · Last: Apr 2026Barefoots Beachside Bar & Grill
4000 SANDESTIN BLVD S, Miramar Beach
19 inspections · 46 violations · Last: Dec 2025Taco Bell 42129
10859 EMERALD COAST PKWY STE 10, Miramar Beach
15 inspections · 45 violations · Last: Oct 2025Watercolor Beach Club
24 GOLDENROD CIR, Santa Rosa Beach
20 inspections · 45 violations · Last: Jan 2026