Palatka, Putnam County

LA HACIENDA III MEXICAN RESTAURANT

2508 CRILL AVE, Palatka, FL 32177

FoodSeating
Latest violations
10
1 High Priority
Mar 25, 2026
City
Palatka
County
Putnam
Status
Current / Active
Inspections
14

Violation history

Florida violations grouped by priority level over time.

Inspection history

Florida inspections are violation-priority based, with high priority, intermediate, and basic counts shown separately.

Mar 25, 2026

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 2Basic: 7Total: 10

08A-05-6

Detail 24466667

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In the walk in cooler, container of raw shell eggs stored over ready to eat tamale mixture and ready to eat shredded cheese. Operator relocated the raw shell eggs. Corrected On-Site

02C-04-5

Detail 24466660

Intermediate - Operator is not properly tracking/marking the number of days ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite was held at refrigeration temperatures prior to freezing in order to properly date mark the food when it is thawed and held at refrigeration temperatures again. Birria in walk in cooler previously frozen missing product date marking from day prepared previous week and missing date marking for date placed under refrigeration.

53B-14-5

Detail 24466666

Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. One food handling employee present at time of inspection with expired food handler training from 9/2025.

40-06-5

Detail 24466669

Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone stored on clean linen on cutting board of cook line. Operator relocated. Corrected On-Site

24-08-4

Detail 24466661

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. On dry storage shelf, clean plastic containers stacked while wet.

14-11-5

Detail 24466668

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Chest freezer in dry storage/prep area with torn door gasket and ice buildup up up in seal.

08B-38-4

Detail 24466664

Basic - Food stored on floor. Dry storage door held open by box of liquid butter stored on the floor. Operator relocated the liquid butter. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

23-03-4

Detail 24466665

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Grease and debris build up on cook line hood filters. Reach in chest freezer door gasket with debris build up. Repeat Violation

33-16-4

Detail 24466663

Basic - Open dumpster lid. Dumpster lid open, operator closed the lid. Corrected On-Site

29-49-6

Detail 24466662

Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Standing water at base of flip top reach in cooler on the cook line.

Jul 31, 2025

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 3Intermediate: 1Basic: 5Total: 9

12A-12-4

Detail 23921154

High Priority - Employee switched from working with raw food to ready-to-eat food without washing hands. Observed employee on cook line utilizing gloved hands handle raw bacon, raw beef then handle clean utensils and plate ready to eat food without washing hands. Discussed with operator. Corrective Action Taken

35A-02-7

Detail 23921157

High Priority - Live, small flying insects found. Observed live fly on cook line over steam table.

08A-20-5

Detail 23921153

High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. In walk in freezer plastic bag of raw chicken over sealed raw beef. Operator relocated storage locations. Corrected On-Site

11-27-4

Detail 23921156

Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. No bodily fluid clean up kit or written procedures available. Inspector provided written procedures. Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation

08B-49-4

Detail 23921159

Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. In reach in freezer and in walk in cooler employee personal food stored over food for customers.

08B-38-4

Detail 23921160

Basic - Food stored on floor. Jugs of fryer oil on the floor of storage room, operator relocated. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

14-69-4

Detail 23921155

Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Build up of ice on seal of chest freezer and in walk in freezer under compressor. Repeat Violation

23-03-4

Detail 23921161

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Chest freezer door gasket soiled. Bar counter soda dispenser has mold like substance on plate under lemonade dispenser. Repeat Violation

16-48-4

Detail 23921158

Basic - Old food stuck to clean dishware/utensils. Old food on container in dry storage prep room. Operator removed to dish area to be rewashed. Corrected On-Site

Jan 29, 2025

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 2Intermediate: 3Basic: 7Total: 12

08A-02-6

Detail 23513947

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. In the reach in chest freezer, opened bag of raw ground beef patties over commercially packaged shrimp. Operator relocated the beef patties. Corrected On-Site

03A-02-5

Detail 23513948

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Queso (66F - Cold Holding) in container on top of reach in freezer, operator had employee reheat queso for steam well. At the bar counter, salsa (56F - Cold Holding) per operator left hour on counter for half hour, operator placed in walk in cooler. Discussed time as public health control with operator. Operator states will use ice bath. Corrective Action Taken

11-27-4

Detail 23513946

Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. No bodily fluid clean up kit or written procedures available. Inspector provided written procedures. Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation

22-02-4

Detail 23513950

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Portable cutting board in prep area with dood residue staining.

02C-04-5

Detail 23513951

Intermediate - Operator is not properly tracking/marking the number of days ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite was held at refrigeration temperatures prior to freezing in order to properly date mark the food when it is thawed and held at refrigeration temperatures again. Queso per operator frozen after being prepared date marked 1/22 and pulled from freezer 2 days prior.

36-34-5

Detail 23513942

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Food debris staining on ceiling closest the dish area.

40-06-5

Detail 23513941

Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. In the dry storage area, employee jacket stored over products for customers.

24-08-4

Detail 23513944

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. In the storage shelf of the prep area, clean plastic and metal containers stacked while wet. Repeat Violation

08B-38-4

Detail 23513945

Basic - Food stored on floor. In the dry storage area, lard for cooking stored in the floor. Repeat Violation

14-69-4

Detail 23513940

Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Build up of ice on walk in freezer door, preventing good seal.

10-17-4

Detail 23513949

Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. In the dish area, two knives between wall and three compartment sink.

23-03-4

Detail 23513943

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in freezer door gaskets with build up or debris/residue. Grease build up on cook line hood filters/fire suppression system. Per operator cleaning already scheduled. Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation

Jul 31, 2024

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 2Basic: 7Total: 10

08A-05-6

Detail 23022602

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In the walk in cooler, raw shredded beef over cut and washed lettuce. Raw shell eggs over beer bottles in walk in cooler. Operator rearranged walk in cooler storage levels. Corrected On-Site

11-27-4

Detail 23022608

Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. No bodily fluid clean up kit or written procedures available. Inspector provided written procedures. Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation

31A-11-4

Detail 23022601

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink at pass through counter used to stored dirty plastic boat for chips. Container removed from hand wash sink. Corrected On-Site

12B-07-4

Detail 23022600

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink stored on prep table next to microwave.

08B-49-4

Detail 23022605

Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Employees personal food in walk in cooler on shelf over food to be served to customers. Operator relocated the personal food. Corrected On-Site

24-08-4

Detail 23022606

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. On the top shelf of the prep area dry storage shelf, clean metal containers stacked while wet. Repeat Violation

14-11-5

Detail 23022603

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Reach in chest freezer to the side of the cook line with build up of ice and cracked line with exposed insulation.

08B-38-4

Detail 23022599

Basic - Food stored on floor. Jug of fryer oil stored on the floor of the prep area. Operator relocated the fryer oil. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

23-03-4

Detail 23022607

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Cook line hood filters with grease build up. Walk in cooler door gasket with mold like substance spots. Not in use walk in cooler converted to dry storage unit has build up of mold like substance on the gasket. Repeat Violation

21-12-4

Detail 23022604

Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Wet wiping cloth stored on flip top reach in cooler cutting board.

Dec 15, 2023

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 3Intermediate: 2Basic: 7Total: 12

22-41-4

Detail 22517360

High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Chlorine dish machine at 0ppm during inspection. Operator replaced sanitizer bucket with full bucket and primed machine to 200ppm. Corrected On-Site

35A-02-6

Detail 22517363

High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed one fly by the trash can area closest to the dish machine.

41-05-4

Detail 22517354

High Priority - Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. By the exterior door, ortho home defense and real kill pesticide spray on shelf. Discussed with operator. Corrective Action Taken

11-27-4

Detail 22517359

Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. No bodily fluid clean up kit or written procedures available. Inspector provided written procedures. Corrective Action Taken

41-17-4

Detail 22517353

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled chemical spray bottle of sanitizer at the front bar counter. Employee labeled the chemical spray bottle. Corrected On-Site

51-11-4

Detail 22517355

Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Carbon dioxide tanks in exterior storage shed not secured. Operator has called to have someone remove the tanks. Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation

24-08-4

Detail 22517361

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. On the shelves of the prep area, clean containers stacked while wet.

08B-38-4

Detail 22517356

Basic - Food stored on floor. Two cases of meat stored on the floor of the walk in freezer. Operator relocated the cases. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

14-69-4

Detail 22517364

Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Build up of ice in walk in freezer around door seal and shelf.

21-04-4

Detail 22517358

Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Wiping cloth under in use cutting board in the prep area. Operator removed the wiping cloth. Corrected On-Site

23-03-4

Detail 22517362

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Bar counter soda dispenser has soda syrup residue build up on the underside of the dispense behind the nozzles.

33-16-4

Detail 22517357

Basic - Open dumpster lid. Dumpster lid open during inspection.

Jul 5, 2023

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 2Basic: 5Total: 8

08A-20-5

Detail 22098291

High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. In reach in freezer raw chicken no longer commercially packaged stored over raw shrimp. Person in charge moved to appropriate location. Corrected On-Site

31A-11-4

Detail 22098285

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Container stored in hand wash sink in kitchen. Rag stored in hand wash sink at front line. Person in charge removed. Corrected On-Site

02C-08-5

Detail 22098289

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened/prepared, frozen and then thawed and held at refrigeration temperature not properly date marked. Birria with date mark 6/10, person in charge was removed from freezer 2 days ago, not redate marked. Person in charge marked appropriately. Also, cooked meat in walk in cooler cooked Monday with no date mark. Corrective Action Taken

51-11-4

Detail 22098284

Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. CO2 tanks unsecured in mop sink area at back of restaurant. Repeat Violation

14-71-4

Detail 22098287

Basic - Duct tape used to repair nonfood-contact surface. Observed tape on handles of strainers in kitchen.

12B-02-4

Detail 22098288

Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed employee eating in ware washing area. Also observed employee drinks with no lids in prep area. Person in charge removed. Corrective Action Taken

08B-38-4

Detail 22098286

Basic - Food stored on floor. Bag in box soda stored on floor in closet by restrooms. Person in charge raised. Corrected On-Site

02D-01-5

Detail 22098290

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Sugar at front line unlabeled. Person in charge labeled. Corrected On-Site

Nov 7, 2022

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Intermediate: 1Basic: 5Total: 6

02C-04-5

Detail 21556927

Intermediate - Operator is not properly tracking/marking the number of days ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite was held at refrigeration temperatures prior to freezing in order to properly date mark the food when it is thawed and held at refrigeration temperatures again. Beef in walk in cooler not re- date marked after thawing from freezer. Repeat Violation

51-11-4

Detail 21556929

Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. CO2 tanks in kitchen unchained.

33-12-4

Detail 21556925

Basic - Dumpster rusted out on bottom. Dumpster rusted out, missing drain plug. Person in charge states has called City multiple times. States they have a work order in. Corrective Action Taken

08B-49-4

Detail 21556928

Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. In walk in cooler employee personal food stored alongside, above items to be served to customers.

23-03-4

Detail 21556926

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters with debris buildup.

06-01-5

Detail 21556924

Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Spinach thawing at room temperature, person in charge moved to reach in cooler. Corrected On-Site

Sep 7, 2022

Routine - Food

Emergency Order Callback Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

Sep 6, 2022

Routine - Food

Emergency Order Callback Not Complied

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 1Total: 2

35A-04-4

Detail 21333635

High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 10 rodent droppings under the counter in the bar area with CO2 storage. Person in charge began cleaning during inspection. Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation Admin Complaint - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-06: Observed 1 rodent dropping under counter in bar area. Person in charge cleaned during inspection. Admin Complaint Corrective Action Taken

53B-14-5

Detail 21333634

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Some employees with expired training 7/2021. Repeat Violation Admin Complaint - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-06: No change. Admin Complaint

Sep 6, 2022

Routine - Food

Emergency order recommended

High Priority: 2Intermediate: 3Basic: 6Total: 11

08A-04-5

Detail 21331262

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Raw beef stored over unwashed peppers in walk in cooler. Person in charge moved to appropriate location. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

35A-04-4

Detail 21331263

High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 10 rodent droppings under the counter in the bar area with CO2 storage. Person in charge began cleaning during inspection. Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

41-17-4

Detail 21331261

Intermediate - Container containing toxic substance not labeled. Cleaning powder in container with no label. Person in charge labeled. Corrected On-Site

02C-08-5

Detail 21331259

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened/prepared, frozen and then thawed and held at refrigeration temperature not properly date marked. Shredded beef thawed date marked 8/29, person in charge states that was the date frozen, remarked with appropriate date. Corrected On-Site

53B-14-5

Detail 21331258

Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Some employees with expired training 7/2021. Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

51-11-4

Detail 21331256

Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. CO2 tanks under bar counter not chained. Repeat Violation

33-12-4

Detail 21331255

Basic - Dumpster rusted out on bottom. At dumpster, also drain plug missing.

14-11-5

Detail 21331260

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Mop sink broken, missing pieces.

35B-01-4

Detail 21331257

Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Light visible under exterior door closest to the bar. Repeat Violation

08B-38-4

Detail 21331254

Basic - Food stored on floor. Cases of food stored on the floor in the walk in freezer. Also, peppers stored on floor in walk in cooler. Person in charge raised. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

36-24-5

Detail 21331253

Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Damage to wall behind dishmachine. Ceiling with water damage in room where mop sink is located behind restaurant.

Mar 29, 2022

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

Mar 28, 2022

Routine - Food

Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority: 6Intermediate: 2Basic: 6Total: 14

14-15-4

Detail 20962046

High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Sugar in bar area stored in direct contact with sterilite type container.

08A-04-5

Detail 20962043

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Raw chicken stored over unwashed peppers in walk in cooler. Person in charge moved to appropriate location. Corrected On-Site

35A-05-4

Detail 20962045

High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed one live roach in the kitchen by the hand wash sink. Person in charge killed and discarded. Corrective Action Taken Admin Complaint

35A-04-4

Detail 20962054

High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 20 rodent droppings under the counter in the bar area next to Co2 tanks. Person in charge began cleaning during inspection. Corrective Action Taken Admin Complaint

03A-02-5

Detail 20962047

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Salsa in bar cooler 56F. Person in charge states has had in and out of cooler. Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

29-34-4

Detail 20962055

High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb outside back door with green hose attached. Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

02C-02-5

Detail 20962051

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Multiple items in walk in cooler made Saturday per person in charge with no date mark or incorrect date mark per person in charge. Person in charge began marking. Corrective Action Taken

53B-14-5

Detail 20962048

Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. One employee with expired training.

51-11-4

Detail 20962052

Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Co2 tanks in bar area unsecured. Also two co2 tanks unsecured in closet by restrooms.

35B-01-4

Detail 20962042

Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Light visible under side door.

08B-38-4

Detail 20962053

Basic - Food stored on floor. Bucket of lard stored on floor in dry storage, person in charge raised. Also meat stored on floor in walk in freezer person in charge raised. Corrected On-Site

33-11-4

Detail 20962049

Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster. At dumpster on right side drain plug missing, also dumpster lids open. Person in charge closed. Corrective Action Taken

23-03-4

Detail 20962044

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters with grease buildup, shelves across from cooktop by hand wash sink with debris buildup, fan in walk in freezer with debris buildup. Person in charge states hood filter cleaning is due to come the 28th.

02D-01-5

Detail 20962050

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Sugar in bar area unlabeled. Also salt at prep area unlabeled. Person in charge labeled. Corrected On-Site

Aug 10, 2021

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

Aug 4, 2021

Routine - Food

Warning Issued

High Priority: 4Intermediate: 1Basic: 3Total: 8

14-31-5

Detail 20400320

High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Churros stored in t-sacks in chest freezer in prep room

01B-02-5

Detail 20400319

High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. pork (52°F - Cold Holding); relleno peppers (52°F - Cold Holding); chicken (52°F - Cold Holding); spinach (52°F - Cold Holding) in bottom portion of 2 door make table. Person in charge stated product has been in make table from yesterday.

03A-02-5

Detail 20400324

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. pork (52°F - Cold Holding); relleno peppers (52°F - Cold Holding); chicken (52°F - Cold Holding); spinach (52°F - Cold Holding) in bottom portion of 2 door make table. Person in charge stated product has been in make table from yesterday. Warning

29-34-4

Detail 20400322

High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Missing back flow preventer at back door from kitchen, green hose attached

53B-14-5

Detail 20400317

Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Owner training certificate and server certificate expired

12B-07-4

Detail 20400323

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on prep table near chest freezer. Person in charge moved cup Corrected On-Site

05-09-4

Detail 20400321

Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Missing ambient thermometer in 2 door make table across from cook line

16-46-4

Detail 20400318

Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Two containers have old labels on shelf in prep room.