J Lemon Pepper
Last inspected: Apr 9, 2026
18
Score
Across the available record, J Lemon Pepper has 17 inspections on file, the first dated 2022. On Apr 9, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A high risk tier suggests the facility had a rough recent inspection, with multiple violations on record.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around eight violations each.
“Employee personal items stored” comes up most often, recorded three times in the inspection record.
That's lower than the typical Jacksonville restaurant, which scores around 74. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.
17
Inspections
7
Critical latest
4
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 9, 2026
Complaint Full
7 critical violations. 4 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed; approximately 20 rodent droppings in back right corner of dry storage area. 15 rodent droppings in back left corner of dry storage area. 5 rodent droppings on box of bag-in-box soda on dry storage shelf against far wall above back left corner. 3 rodent droppings on box of single service items against right hand wall of dry storage area. **Warning**
35A-04-4
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed container of raw chicken stored over raw fish items in walk-in cooler. Person in charge rearranged food items to proper storage levels. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Employee switched from working with raw food to ready-to-eat food without washing hands. Observed employee handle raw shrimp then handle ready to eat chicken wings for a customer order without changing gloves and washing hands. Stop sales issued. **Warning**
12A-12-4
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee exit from office then don gloves and engage in food preparation without washing hands. **Warning**
12A-07-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to adulteration of food product. Observed employee handle raw shrimp then handle ready to eat chicken wings for a customer order without changing gloves and washing hands. **Warning**
01B-03-5
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee handle personal cell phone with gloves on then engage in food preparation without changing gloves and washing hands. **Warning**
12A-09-4
High Priority - Rodent rub marks present along walls/ceilings. Observed rodent rub marks on and around small hole of electrical outlet casing on far wall of back dry storage area. **Warning**
35A-18-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed mechanical hand drying device unplugged next to three compartment sink and no paper towels nearby. Person in charge provided paper towels. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. Observed no proof of certified food manager for location. Only certified food manager certification expired 03/15/2026. Separate certified food manager certification nearby, but per person in charge stated that certified food manager moved to different city. **Warning**
53A-02-7
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/ Observed 5 employees engaging in food preparation with no certified food manager present.
53A-05-6
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand wash sink at dish area entrance.
31B-03-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed multiple employee water bottles stored on prep shelves throughout kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed multiple employee cell phones stored directly on top of, next to, or near food items and prep shelves throughout kitchen area.
40-06-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed 4 employees engaging in food preparation with no hair restraint on cook line. **Repeat Violation**
13-03-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed interior of reach in cooler door in disrepair on cook line. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed heavy grease build up on hood filters above and back, top, and sides of fryers on cook line. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
18
Dec 9, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
58
Oct 9, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Oct 8, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
27
Aug 7, 2025
Complaint Full
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed dust build up around vents directly above cook line. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-07: Time extended from complaint. **Time Extended**
36-34-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed one employee engaging in food preparation with no hair restraint on cook line. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-08-07: Time extended from complaint. **Time Extended**
13-03-4
90
Aug 6, 2025
Complaint Full
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
35
Jul 17, 2025
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
25
Apr 7, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Feb 5, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed person in charge unable to provide proof of state approved food handler training for any employee. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-05: At callback observed no change. Person in charge stated approved training booklets were ordered and in mail. **Time Extended**
53B-01-5
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. Observed no employee with a signed employee reporting agreement. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-05: At callback observed some employees with reporting agreement. **Time Extended**
11-26-1
82
Feb 3, 2025
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 9 major violations. 13 minor violations.
View 27 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed 5 boxes of cooked chicken stored in original commercial packages raw chicken was delivered in. Stop Sale issued for cooked chicken in direct contact with box. Person in charge voluntarily discarded remaining cooked chicken. **Warning**
01B-13-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed; threaded hose bibb missing vacuum breaker at faucet next to hand wash sink near rear exit. Missing vacuum breaker at threaded hose bibb at mop sink in prep area. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
29-34-4
High Priority - Employee switched from working with raw food to ready-to-eat food without washing hands. Observed employee on cook line handle raw shrimp then handle ready to eat chicken wings. Inspector educated employee on proper handwashing procedures. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
12A-12-4
High Priority - Food placed in soiled container/equipment. Observed 5 boxes of cooked chicken stored in original commercial packages raw chicken was delivered in. **Warning**
08B-27-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed opened box of raw burger patties stored over container of ready to eat vegetables in walk-in cooler. Person in charge placed burger patties on bottom rack. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Observed opened bag of feta cheese with no date marking in walk-in cooler. Person in charge stated bag was opened more than 24 hours prior but less than 7 days.
02C-03-5
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Observed 5 boxes of cooked chicken with temperatures of 61-117F stored on wire rack next to white standing reach in freezer. Person in charge stated the cooked chicken is supposed to be placed in walk-in cooler to cool. **Warning**
03D-15-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed; soiled interior and handle of microwave above steam table. Soda nozzles soiled on soda tower near to-go window. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed designated hand wash sink used to thaw raw fish near office. Person in charge removed fish. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand wash sink next to three compartment sink. Employee provided paper towels. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed person in charge unable to provide proof of state approved food handler training for any employee. **Warning**
53B-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. Observed no employee with a signed employee reporting agreement. **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed unlabeled spray bottle with pink liquid employee stated was a cleaner stored in three compartment sink. Employee labeled spray bottle. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
41-17-4
Intermediate - Toxic substance/chemical on premise that is not required for the operation of establishment. Observed insecticide designated for only household use stored on chemical rack near office. Person in charge removed chemicals from premises. **Corrected On-Site**
41-04-4
Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available. Observed person in charge unable to provide copy of last inspection.
51-18-6
Basic - Grease receptacle lid open, broken, or missing. Observed opened lid on grease receptacle at corner of parking lot.
33-29-4
Basic - Grease on the ground and/or pad around grease receptacle. Observed build up of grease on ground around grease receptacle.
33-20-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor throughout kitchen area soiled and slippery.
36-73-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed one employee on cook line with no hair restraint. Person in charge provided hair restraint. **Corrected On-Site**
13-03-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee cell phone stored on shelf above prep station where large containers of flour are stored. **Repeat Violation**
40-06-5
Basic - Clean, single-use gloves not handled in a sanitary manner. Observed employee blowing into single service gloves to expand them for easier donning.
25-30-4
Basic - Clean wiping cloth supply not properly stored. Observed wiping cloths stored under chemicals on chemical rack near office.
21-19-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed ice bucket stored not inverted next to soda tower at to-go window.
24-05-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw fish being thawed in standing water with no running water. Person in charge turned on running water. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed employee water bottle stored in reach in cooler with unwashed vegetables near dry storage.
12B-13-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Observed opened lid on dumpster at corner of parking lot.
33-16-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed; soiled gaskets on all reach in cooler doors on cook line. Soiled backplates around soda nozzles on soda tower next to to-go window. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
10
Aug 8, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
35
Mar 20, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
35
Jul 11, 2023
Complaint Full
5 critical violations. 4 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 18 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. License expired 6/1/2023
50-17-3
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. In reach-in cooler near exit door, cheesecake (49F - Cold Holding). Operator stated item has been in cooler 4 days.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. On shelf across from large handwash sink, chicken (49F - Cold Holding). Employee moved chicken to walk-in cooler. In reach-in cooler near exit door, cheesecake (49F - Cold Holding). Operator stated item has been in cooler 4 days. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. At cook line in fryer basket, shrimp (118F - Hot Holding). Shrimp reheated above 165f. **Corrected On-Site**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Splitter at mop sink missing backflow preventer on both ends. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
29-34-4
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. Employees present hired in last two weeks, no documentation. **Repeat Violation**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Employee using large handwash sink to rinse chicken. Knife stored in handwash sink near exit door.
31A-11-4
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/ At start of inspection, 6 employees present, no Certified Food Manager. Certified Food Manager arrived during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
53A-05-6
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. In condiment reach-in cooler, conch salad prepared two days prior not dated. Items dated. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02C-02-5
Basic - Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Observed cooked chicken in raw chicken boxes. **Repeat Violation**
25-32-4
Basic - Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. Cardboard used to line shelf in dry storage area.
14-45-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Mol stored in mop bucket.
42-01-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters over cook line have build up of grease and dust. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. 3 door reach-in cooler at cook line missing interior door panel on 2 doors, exposing insulation. Also, gaskets are in disrepair.
14-36-5
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. In bulk sugar container, scoop handle touching product. In ice bin at drive thru, ice scoop handle touching ice. Operator moved items. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floor tiles in kitchen area near flattop, cracked.p and broken. **Repeat Violation**
36-17-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. 2 cell phones on top of reach-in cooler at cook line. In dry storage area, coat on dressing boxes. Operator moved. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
40-06-5
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. In reach-in cooler at sandwich area, styrofoam container identified as personal food stored with customer food. Employee segregated. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-49-4
20
Apr 5, 2023
Complaint Full
No violations found.
100
Jan 17, 2023
Complaint Full
No violations found.
100
Dec 28, 2022
Complaint Full
No violations found.
100
Jul 14, 2022
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was J Lemon Pepper last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at J Lemon Pepper on file is from Apr 9, 2026. The public record contains 17 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at J Lemon Pepper?
Across the inspection record, “employee personal items stored” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at J Lemon Pepper.
How does J Lemon Pepper compare to other restaurants in Jacksonville?
J Lemon Pepper most recently scored 18 out of 100, which is lower than the Jacksonville average of 74.
Has J Lemon Pepper's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at J Lemon Pepper have averaged around eight violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at J Lemon Pepper means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is J Lemon Pepper inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, J Lemon Pepper is inspected around five times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants