El Taquito IV
Last inspected: Feb 24, 2026
78
Score
The health department has logged 12 inspections at El Taquito IV, the earliest from 2022. El Taquito IV was last inspected on Feb 24, 2026. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around four violations compared to roughly eight violations earlier on.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens”, showing up four times.
Compared to the broader Fort Lauderdale restaurant scene, this is about average. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
12
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 24, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm). **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-02-24: Dishwasher 0ppm Chlorine **Admin Complaint**
22-41-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. At the front cook line hand wash sink. The water is turned off for sink repair. - From follow-up inspection 2026-02-24: Dishwasher 0ppm Chlorine
27-16-4
78
Feb 13, 2026
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
64
Nov 10, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Ceviche and tuna tartare. Reviewed menu updating with operator. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-10: Observed same. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-10: Observed same. **Admin Complaint**
02B-01-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Pic - Omar Suarez **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-10: Observed same. Person in Charge - Omar Suarez **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-10: Observed same - 4 food handling employees present. PIC - Argenis Moya. **Admin Complaint**
53A-05-6
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Carbon dioxide tanks by back door not adequately secured. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-10: Observed same. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-10: Observed same. **Admin Complaint**
51-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Cookline flip top - torn gaskets on doors **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-10: Observed same. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-10: Observed same. **Admin Complaint**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Cookline flip top. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-10: Observed same. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-10: Observed same. **Admin Complaint**
29-49-6
70
Sep 10, 2025
Routine - Food
4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Ceviche and tuna tartare. Reviewed menu updating with operator. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-10: Observed same. **Time Extended**
02B-01-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Pic - Omar Suarez **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-10: Observed same. Person in Charge - Omar Suarez **Time Extended**
53A-05-6
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. 3 employees without food handler/CFM training. Provided Food Employee Reporting Agreement to operator. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-10: Reviewed Food Employee Reporting Agreement with operator. **Time Extended**
11-26-1
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-10: Observed same. **Time Extended**
53B-13-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Carbon dioxide tanks by back door not adequately secured. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-10: Observed same. **Time Extended**
51-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Cookline flip top - torn gaskets on doors **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-10: Observed same. **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Cookline flip top. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-10: Observed same. **Time Extended**
29-49-6
58
Sep 9, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
27
Apr 1, 2025
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Handwashing sink by ice machine has bucket and dirty linen bag blocking access. Operator moved bucket and dirty linen bag. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Handwashing sink on cook line has coffee cup stored in sink. Operator removed cup. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
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.
53B-14-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. In walk in cooler, air vent soiled with mold like substance
36-34-5
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. At ice machine, ice scoop stored on top of machine on a dirty surface. Employee removed scoop to clean **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
10-12-5
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. At dry storage shelf by door to kitchen, scoop handle in contact with sugar. Operator removed scoop. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Microwave exterior solid with food debris.
23-03-4
61
Aug 20, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Employee switched from working with raw food to ready-to-eat food without washing hands. Cook touched raw chicken, removed gloves, put on new gloves and touched clean utensils to dispense refried beans without washing hands. Employee removed gloves and washed hands. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-12-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Front counter flip top cutting board. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Front counter. Operator replaced. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. 1 employee without food handler/CFM training. Provided Food Employee Reporting Agreement to operator.
11-26-1
Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Repeat Violation**
53B-13-5
Basic - Water draining onto floor surface. Under prep area sink. Operator cleaned during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
29-03-4
Basic - Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first. Walk in cooler - soiled cardboard on floor. **Repeat Violation**
36-06-4
Basic - Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. Visibly soiled cardboard on dry storage area shelves.
14-45-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Ice scoop on visibly soiled ice machine. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
10-12-5
45
Jun 17, 2024
Routine - Food
10 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 16 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Front counter cutting board at flip top visibly soiled. **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand sink next to ice machine blocked by kegs. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Pitchers stored in Handsink next to ice machine. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Ceviche and Tuna Tartare on menu. Reviewed menu updating with operator. **Warning**
02B-01-5
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Quat and chlorine. **Warning**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ PIC - David Lopez. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
53A-05-6
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Front counter. Operator replaced. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. 2 employees without food handler/CFM training. Provided Food Employee Reporting Agreement to operator. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Probe thermometer not accurate within plus or minus 2 degrees Fahrenheit. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
05-06-4
Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
53B-13-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Front counter. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-20-4
Basic - Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first. Walk in cooler. **Warning**
36-06-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. All cold holding units throughout establishment. **Warning**
23-24-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Walk in cooler - bowl in cooked beans and bowl in cooked rice. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Under and around front counter cooking equipment and cold holding equipment. **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
35B-01-4
27
Apr 17, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 7 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Walk in cooler - raw shell eggs stored over raw shrimp. Operator stored all items properly. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Walk in cooler - raw shrimp stored over ready to eat cooked beef. Operator stored all items properly. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Employee handled personal cell phone and then engaged in food preparation - handled ready to eat cheese without washing hands. Reviewed proper hand washing and employee properly washed hands. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12A-13-4
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. Provided handout to operator. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Bar soda gun. Operator cleaned during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ PIC - Alejandro Saturno. **Warning**
53A-05-6
Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. 2 employees without food handler/CFM training. Provided Food Employee Reporting Agreement to operator. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Probe thermometer not accurate within plus or minus 2 degrees Fahrenheit. Operators thermometer missing battery. **Warning**
05-06-4
Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning**
53B-13-5
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Front counter - water 80F. **Warning**
27-16-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back door. **Warning**
35B-01-4
Basic - Hot water faucet handle at plumbing front counter hand sink not operating. **Warning**
29-09-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Cookline - water 94F. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-07-4
27
May 2, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Nonexempt fish offered raw or undercooked has not undergone proper parasite destruction. Fish must be fully cooked or discarded. Establishment uses raw mahi-mahi for ceviche. Manager immediately stopped all mahi-mahi from being served. Instructed employees to cook all mahi-mahi , and instructed employees to remove item from menu as raw ceviche. Raw fish may be used once adequate proof of parasite destruction has been obtained. **Corrective Action Taken**
01D-01-5
Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.
11-26-1
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. No hot water at Hand wash sink kitchen. Tight faucet.
27-16-4
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ 5 food service employees onsite with no certified food manger present.
53A-05-6
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.
11-27-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Kitchen Hand Wash Sink blocked by garbage can. Moved by manager. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs over oven handle. Moved by manager. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Fish still frozen thawing without required cutting of bags. Manager intervened. **Corrective Action Taken**
06-09-1
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Soiled exterior of equipment including handles to coolers.
23-24-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Soiled deflector plate to interior of ice machine located : kitchen.
22-20-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee clothing by utensils. Moved by manager
40-06-5
41
Jan 11, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
43
Jul 1, 2022
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No hot water provided at handwash sink at the front counter. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-01: Intermediate - No hot water provided at handwash sink at the front counter. **Warning** **Time Extended**
27-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - AC vents and exposed tubing soiled with accumulated , grease, dust, or mold-like substance.. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-01: Operator cleaned some. **Time Extended**
36-34-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. 1) Gasket on left and middle door flip top torn and in need of repair. 2) Dish machine per operator not functioning. Advised operator to repair or remove unit. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-01: Basic - Equipment in poor repair. 1) Gasket on left and middle door flip top torn and in need of repair. 2) Dish machine - chlorine 50ppm. - complied. **Time Extended**
14-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-01: Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Warning** **Time Extended**
35B-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in White round reach-in freezer . **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-01: Basic - Ice buildup in White round reach-in freezer . **Warning** **Time Extended**
14-69-4
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Taquito IV last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Taquito IV on file is from Feb 24, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Taquito IV?
Across the inspection record, “exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at El Taquito IV.
How does El Taquito IV compare to other restaurants in Fort Lauderdale?
El Taquito IV most recently scored 78 out of 100, which is about the same as the Fort Lauderdale average of 80.
Has El Taquito IV's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at El Taquito IV have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at El Taquito IV means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is El Taquito IV inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Taquito IV is inspected around three times per year on average.
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