EL PARAISO RESTAURANT & TAQUERIA

Name: EL PARAISO RESTAURANT & TAQUERIA
Address: 17312 NW US HWY 19, FANNING SPRINGS, FL, 32693, US
Rating: 17.7

17312 NW US HWY 19, FANNING SPRINGS, FL 32693

License #4800621

🌮 Mexican/Latin ℹ️

17.7 Grade F / 100

Failing Health Score

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Latest inspection

September 21, 2026 · 14 findings · 1 critical

Routine - Food

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Quick take

EL PARAISO RESTAURANT & TAQUERIA in FANNING SPRINGS currently holds an InspectFL Health Score of 17.7 out of 100 — an F grade — a serious pattern of repeat or critical violations. This restaurant has been inspected 10 times from Florida DBPR, with the most recent inspection on September 21, 2026. Across those visits, inspectors documented 108 total violations — 39 critical, 17 major, 52 minor.

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Record snapshot

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Inspections on file

Clean inspections

Callback visits

Latest clean pass

October 10, 2025

The latest inspection on September 21, 2026 shows 14 observation rows: 1 critical, 3 major, and 10 minor.

Official recordInspection data quality

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Official source: DBPR

Inspection coverage

80%

Inspector notes

108

Coverage note

Inspector notes linked where available

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EL PARAISO RESTAURANT & TAQUERIA has a rough inspection history. Would you risk it?

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*Scores are calculated by InspectFL based on public DBPR inspection data and are not official state ratings.

Inspection timeline

Inspection History

Read the newest inspection first, then scan for patterns. Repeated high-priority findings matter more than one isolated bad day.

Critical Major Minor

Inspector notes are being added across all restaurants. Some inspections may only show violation codes until notes are available.

Official DBPR inspection report ↗

Disposition: Inspection Completed - No Further Action
[06-01-5] Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Frozen beef in sink thawing at Ambient Temperature . Manager began to run water over frozen beef.
[14-09-4] Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board on flip-top make table in kitchen with grooves with black stains.
[22-02-4] Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on flip-top make table with mold like substance in the grooves in kitchen.
[31A-09-4] Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Kitchen handwash sink blocked by trash can. Manager moved trash can
[33-23-4] Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Dumpster placed directly on soil without a nonabsorbant surface
[36-50-4] Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Grill soiled with grease
[08B-38-4] Food stored on floor. Box of cooking oil stored on floor in kitchen
[22-08-4] Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Food on bottom surface of kitchen microwave.
[29-34-4] Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Missing vacuum breaker on front hose Bibb
[14-01-5] Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Food dispensed ( salsa )with a bowl without a handle. Manager removed portion cup.
[12B-07-4] Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee bottled water on prep table. Manager removed
[08B-17-4] Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed produce in shipping box ( tomatoes ) stored over ready-to-eat food ( sauces and salsa ) in walk in cooler.
[14-13-4] Food-contact surface not smooth and easily cleanable. Raw wood two by four supporting handwash sink in kitchen.
[41-17-4] Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle not properly labeled with identifying contents ( bleach ). Manager labeled spray bottle.

Disposition: Warning Issued
[14-45-4] Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. Cardboard used to line shelf below tortillas as cookline.
[08B-38-4] Food stored on floor. 1. Container of cooking oil stored directly on floor at cookline. 2. Bag of sugar stored on floor in storage shed.
[33-19-4] Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Trash scattered on ground around dumpster and near storage shed.
[33-23-4] Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Dumpster sitting directly on ground.
[33-11-4] Missing drain plug at dumpster. Drain plug missing from dumpster.
[23-03-4] Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Interior of reach-in freezer at kitchen entrance soiled with frozen blood.
[33-16-4] Open dumpster lid. Lid of dumpster left open.
[29-08-4] Plumbing system in disrepair. 1. Drain pipe below handwash sink disconnected. An employee repaired the drain pipe during this inspection. 2. Leaking pipe below three-compartment sink.
[25-05-4] Single-service articles improperly stored. 1. Two boxes containing single-use lids stored on floor in storage shed. 2. Stack of single-use foam trays not inverted on stack of boxes in storage shed.
[08B-12-5] Stored food not covered. Open bags containing dried beans and peppers in storage shed.
[36-50-4] Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Floor in storage shed soiled with fold debris and paper trash.
[12A-07-5] Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. An employee entered the kitchen and put on gloves without washing hands to begin working at cookline. The only handwash sink available in kitchen is disconnected.
[35A-02-7] Live, small flying insects found. 1. Three live flies flying in exterior storage shed with exposed dried beans and peppers. 2. One live fly flying in dining area.
[14-31-5] Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. 1. Pan in warmer containing rice lined with grocery bag. 2. Cooked rice stored in direct contact with grocery bag inside reach-in cooler at front counter.
[08A-05-6] Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. 1. Container of cut raw beef stored on shelf above pan containing shredded lettuce inside reach-in cooler near cookline. 2. Carton if raw shell eggs stored on shelf above open container of pickled jalapeños inside reach-in cooler at cookline. 3. Several cartons of raw shell eggs stored on shelf above canned drinks inside reach-in cooler at front counter. Manager moved all raw items away from ready to eat foods during this inspection.
[08A-17-6] Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Several ziplock bags containing raw chicken stored on shelf above ziplock bags containing raw beef inside reach-in freezer at kitchen entrance.
[12A-09-4] Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Manager washed gloved hands in handwash sink. Inspector had the manager remove gloves and wash hands again before continuing to handle food.
[41-10-4] Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. 1. Plumbing glue stored on shelf above clean utensils on shelf at cookline. 2. Aerosol can containing spray paint stored on shelf beside seasoning and single-use straws at front counter. Manager removed both items during this inspection.
[29-34-4] Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Backflow prevention device missing at hose connection on front of building.
[53A-03-7] Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ One ServSafe Certified food manager certification for H. Hernandez Garcia expired on 04/10/2024.
[31A-09-4] Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Handwash sink in kitchen blocked/covered by large metal pan. Manager removed the pan from the handwash sink during this inspection.
[53B-01-5] 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. One employee working in kitchen and handling food without proof of food handler training. Manager stated the employee has worked at this location for approximately two years. No other food handler training available for any other employees.

Disposition: Warning Issued
[08B-38-4] Food stored on floor. Three packages of raw pork stored on floor near three-compartment sink. Employee removed items from the floor during this inspection.
[33-16-4] Open dumpster lid. Dumpster lids both left open.
[25-05-4] Single-service articles improperly stored. Sleeve of foam takeout containers stored directly on floor in kitchen. Manager placed the trays on a shelf during this inspection.
[36-50-4] Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. 1. Floor inside kitchen heavily soiled with food debris. 2. Wall at cookline soiled with dust. 3. Floor inside kitchen heavily storage shed heavily soiled with food debris.
[03D-02-5] Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. On shelf inside reach-in cooler near cookline: beans (69F-78F - Cooling since 6am). The beans are stored in a very large and deep pan. The manager stated she finished cooking the beans and placed them into the cooler at 6am this morning. Stop sale issued.
[01B-36-5] Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. On shelf inside reach-in cooler near cookline: beans (69F-78F - Cooling since 6am). The beans are stored in a very large and deep pan. The manager stated she finished cooking the beans and placed them into the cooler at 6am this morning.
[03B-01-6] Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. In warming unit at cookline: pork (85F - Hot Holding); beef (91F - Hot Holding). Manager stated both items have been held hot since 1pm and began reheating them to 165 on grill during this inspection.
[41-10-4] Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Bottle of "3-in-One oil" stored on shelf directly beside seasoning and freezer bags above handwash sink. Manager removed 3-in-one oil from shelf during this inspection.
[29-34-4] Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Backflow prevention device missing at green hose connection on front of building.
[03D-15-4] Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. On shelf inside reach-in cooler near cookline: beans (69F-78F - Cooling since 6am). The beans are stored in a very large and deep pan. The manager stated she finished cooking the beans and placed them into the cooler at 6am this morning.
[53A-03-7] Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ One ServSafe manager certificate for Hidalia Hernandez Garcia expired on 04/10/2024.
[31A-11-4] Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Dust pan stored down inside handwash sink near cookline. Inspector removed pan in order to wash hands.

Disposition: Warning Issued
[14-01-5] Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Single-use condiment cup without handle stored down inside pan of red salsa inside reach-in cooler near kitchen back door. Manager removed condiment cup from salsa during this inspection.
[36-73-4] Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor inside exterior storage shed soiled with dirt/debris.
[08B-38-4] Food stored on floor. Mesh bag containing onions and several bags of potatoes stored directly on floor inside storage shed.
[33-19-4] Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Pile of empty cardboard boxes on ground behind dumpster.
[23-03-4] Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1. Foil-wrapped shelving below grill soiled with grease. 2. Interior of reach-in freezer near kitchen entrance soiled with raw meat residue. 3. Handle of reach-in freezer near kitchen entrance soiled with food debris and/or grease. 4. Lids of seasoning containers on shelf near cookline soiled with grease.
[16-46-4] Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Old labels stuck to side of two clear plastic pans on clean dish rack above three-compartment sink.
[01A-05-4] Food/ice received from unapproved source/no invoice provided to verify source. See Stop Sale. Pan containing approximately 3 dozen brown eggs in bottom of reach-in cooler near cookline. Manager does not have receipt or invoice and stated she will take them home today for personal use.
[14-31-5] Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Several grocery bags filled with raw frozen beef inside reach-in freezer at kitchen entrance. Raw beef is in direct contact with grocery bags.
[08A-05-6] Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Pan containing chopped raw beef stored on shelf directly above pan containing cooked beans inside reach-in cooler near cookline. Manager moved beans away from raw beef during this inspection.
[01B-04-5] Stop Sale issued due to food originating from an unapproved source. Pan containing approximately 3 dozen brown eggs in bottom of reach-in cooler near cookline. Manager does not have receipt or invoice and stated she will take them home today for personal use.
[29-34-4] Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Backflow prevention devise missing at grey hose connection on front of building.

Disposition: Warning Issued
[14-01-5] Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Single-use condiment cup stored inside container of salsa inside reach-in cooler near back door of kitchen.
[14-09-4] Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board at cookline has deep cut marks.
[40-06-5] Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone and money stored on shelf in center of kitchen above containers of seasoning. Manager removed both from area during this inspection.
[24-08-4] Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Wet nested clear plastic pans on clean dish rack above three-compartment sink.
[36-73-4] Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor inside storage shed soiled with food debris.
[23-03-4] Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with grease. Air vents on window air conditioning unit soiled with mold-like substance.
[16-46-4] Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Remnants of old labels stuck to side of three pans on clean dish rack above three-compartment sink.
[42-03-5] Storage of maintenance equipment/tools in areas that may result in cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens and/or single-service and single-use articles. Package of sandpaper stored on wire shelf above takeout containers in center of kitchen.
[08B-12-5] Stored food not covered. Bin of rice stored uncovered inside exterior storage shed. Large piece of frozen meat stored uncovered and unwrapped directly on shelf in reach-in freezer at kitchen entrance.
[03D-01-5] Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within 2 hours. Inside reach-in cooler at cookline: pork (105F - Cooling 2.5 hours); beef (113F - Cooling 5.5 hours). Manager stated the pork began cooling at 11am this morning and the beef began cooling at 9am this morning. Both are stored in closed containers stacked on top of each other and did not cool to below 70F within 2 hours. Stop sale issued. Inspector provided cooling handout in Spanish to manager during this inspection.
[01B-36-5] Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. Inside reach-in cooler at cookline: pork (105F - Cooling 2.5 hours); beef (113F - Cooling 5.5 hours). Manager stated the pork began cooling at 11am this morning and the beef began cooling at 9am this morning. Both are stored in closed containers stacked on top of each other and did not cool to below 70F within 2 hours. Inspector provided cooling handout in Spanish to manager during this inspection.
[14-15-4] Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Raw beef stored inside grocery bags inside reach-in freezer at kitchen entrance. Manager had employee place beef into food-grade zip bags during this inspection. Employee in kitchen making horchata in blue "Lowes" bucket. Manager had employee pour horchata into pitchers during this inspection.
[35A-09-4] Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Several live spiders in webs inside exterior storage shed containing dry foods. One live spider in web inside open bin containing rice inside exterior storage shed. Stop sale issued.
[08A-05-6] Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw personal shell eggs stored on shelf in center of kitchen above containers of seasoning. Manager removed eggs from area during this inspection.
[12A-09-4] Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Employee in kitchen washed gloved hands at handwash sink. Manager had employee remove gloves, wash hands, and put on new gloves.
[01B-13-4] Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. One live spider in web inside open bin containing rice inside exterior storage shed.
[29-34-4] Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Backflow prevention device missing at green hose connection on front of building near picnic table.
[03D-15-4] Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Inside reach-in cooler at cookline: pork (105F - Cooling 2.5 hours); beef (113F - Cooling 5.5 hours). Manager stated the pork began cooling at 11am this morning and the beef began cooling at 9am this morning. Both are stored in closed containers stacked on top of each other and did not cool to below 70F within 2 hours. Stop sale issued.
[31B-02-4] No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at handwash sink in kitchen. Manager replenished towels at handwash sink during this inspection.

Disposition: Emergency order recommended
[14-01-5] Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl without handle used as scoop inside bag of rice in exterior storage shed.
[12B-07-4] Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee bottled water stored inside box of limes on top of limes.
[08B-38-4] Food stored on floor. Bah of chicken and several sealed bags of beef stored on floor below three-compartment sink in kitchen. Inspector had employee place meat into a cooler during this inspection.
[14-42-4] Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. Hood filters missing from hood above grill.
[36-50-4] Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Floor throughout kitchen soiled with chicken and beef blood and food debris. Wall in kitchen near oven soiled with dust.
[21-12-4] Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Wet wiping cloth stored on cutting board in kitchen on steam table.
[12A-16-4] Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Employee entered the kitchen from outside, put on gloves, and began handling food from the cooler and cooking food on the grill. Inspector had manager have employee wash hands. Employee touched phone and clothes, the continued to
[35A-02-6] Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Five flies on and around vegetable storage rack in kitchen near back door. Two flies in kitchen on column near cookline.
[14-15-4] Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Pan of rice in steam table lined with a grocery bag.
[08A-05-6] Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Pan of raw beef stored on shelf above pan of beans and package of carrots inside reach-in cooler near cookline.
[35A-04-4] Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 17 rodent droppings on top of reach-in freezer in kitchen at entrance close to cookline.
[12A-09-4] Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Employee washed gloved hands in the three-compartment sink rather than change gloves. Inspector had manager have employee wash hands and change gloves.
[03A-02-5] Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. On floor in kitchen below three-compartment sink: beef (47F - Cold Holding). Manager stated the beef was delivered two hours prior. Inspector had manager place beef into refrigeration during this inspection.
[41-10-4] Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Can of bug spray and bottle of "vapor rub" stored on shelf beside seasonings and sauces in kitchen near prep sink.
[29-34-4] Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Backflow prevention device missing from hose connection on front side of building.
[12A-03-4] Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Employee washed gloved hands in three-compartment sink.
[22-02-4] Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board at cookline stained.
[53B-01-5] 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 unable to locate proof of any training for employees during this inspection.
[31B-02-4] No soap and/or paper towels/mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Handwash sink in kitchen near prep area missing soap and towels. Manager replenished both during this inspection.