Shells of Lakeland

5125 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33813

Seafood

Last inspected: Apr 16, 2026

Score

Low Risk

Going back to 2022, Shells of Lakeland has five inspections in the public record. Inspectors last stopped by on Apr 16, 2026. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.

The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around one violation, down from roughly four violations earlier in the record.

The city-wide average for Lakeland sits at 85, putting Shells of Lakeland on the better side of that line. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Apr 16, 2026

Food-Licensing Inspection

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer. Near the managers office.

14-69-4

Mar 21, 2025

Routine - Food

2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.

View 6 violations

High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle of oven cleaner stored next to a bulk container of rice across from the cook line. The product was removed. **Corrected On-Site**

41-10-4

High Priority - Employee washed hands with no soap. Operator washed her hands with soap. I had the operator to wash her hands with soap. **Corrected On-Site**

12A-20-4

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Bottle of Fabuloso in the hand washing sink across from the dishwasher. Cleaning scratch pad I the hand washing sink in the back prep area. The items was removed. **Corrected On-Site**

31A-11-4

Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Operator washed her hands at the 2 compartment sink. I had the operator to wash her hand at a designated hand washing sink. **Corrective Action Taken**

12A-03-4

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Stored on the top shelf above clean bowls. The shelf is next to the white chest style freezer with sliding door.

12B-07-4

Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. A container of chicken thawing in standing water in the 2 compartment sink. The product was put under cold run water. **Corrected On-Site**

06-01-5

Jul 26, 2024

Food-Licensing Inspection

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration

FL-33

Feb 17, 2023

Routine - Food

5 major violations. 4 minor violations.

View 9 violations

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. **Warning**

11-27-4

Intermediate - Food service manager not certified within 30 days of employment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Vinsoa Broome **Warning**

53A-04-6

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. Manager was able to find training for one employee, but there was no date of completion. **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. **Warning**

11-26-1

Intermediate - Observed a several oyster tags not marked with last date served. **Warning**

01C-03-4

Basic - In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Observed rice scoop handle laying on top of cooked rice. Employee moved scoop so handle was above rice **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

10-06-5

Basic - Observed Dry storage shelves where sauces are stored, and walk in cooler racks with rust that has pitted the surface. **Warning**

14-17-4

Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Current copy displayed expired 2-1-2023 **Warning**

50-09-4

Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed phone on cook line. Employee put in pocket **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**

40-06-5

Oct 20, 2022

Routine - Food

4 minor violations.

View 4 violations

Food Received at Proper Temperature

FL-12

Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels

FL-14

Approved Thawing Methods Used

FL-31

Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place

FL-36

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Shells of Lakeland last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Shells of Lakeland on file is from Apr 16, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.

How does Shells of Lakeland compare to other restaurants in Lakeland?

Shells of Lakeland most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is higher than the Lakeland average of 85.

Has Shells of Lakeland's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Shells of Lakeland have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Shells of Lakeland 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 Shells of Lakeland inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Shells of Lakeland is inspected roughly once per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

The Club at Eaglebrooke

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Score: 86 — Low Risk

Kc's Artisan Pizza

6645 S Florida Ave Ste 5

Score: 95 — Low Risk

Wendy's Hamburger #593

3929 S Florida Ave

Score: 95 — Low Risk

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