The St. Petersburg location of Tijuana Flats, a popular Mexican fast-food chain, recently received an administrative complaint following a routine health inspection. State records revealed that the restaurant, known for its extensive hot sauce bar, was cited for 17 violations during a routine inspection on November 1, 2024.
Of the 17 violations, one was classified as high-priority, three as intermediate, and 13 as basic infractions. The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation conducted the inspection at the 944 N 4 Street location in Pinellas County.
While the violations require further review, the restaurant was not ordered to close.
State records showed that the high-priority violation involved the presence of live, small flying insects in various areas of the restaurant, including the kitchen and food storage areas. This issue was noted as a repeat violation, producing an administrative complaint.
Intermediate violations included food-contact surfaces soiled with food litter, lack of proof of required state-approved employee training, and unlabeled mist bottles containing unhealthy substances.