TROPICAL RESTAURANT

Name: TROPICAL RESTAURANT
Address: 652 E 9 ST, HIALEAH, FL, 33010, US
Rating: 38

652 E 9 ST, HIALEAH, FL 33010

License #2312196

🌴 Cuban/Caribbean ℹ️ Categories are auto-assigned based on restaurant names and may not be 100% accurate

38 Grade F / 100

Failing Health Score

How is this score calculated? →

Latest inspection

August 8, 2026 · 16 findings · 1 critical

Food-Licensing Inspection (follow-up)

View inspection data

Need help reading this?

Newest inspection first. Red dots matter most.

The score is the shortcut, but the inspection timeline is the proof. Start with the newest visit, then scan for repeat critical or major findings.

Critical

Highest-priority rows.

Major

Worth checking for repeats.

Minor

Usually lower-risk context.

Quick take

TROPICAL RESTAURANT in HIALEAH currently holds an InspectFL Health Score of 38 out of 100 — an F grade — a serious pattern of repeat or critical violations. This restaurant has 2 inspections on record from Florida DBPR, with the most recent inspection on August 8, 2026. Across those visits, DBPR recorded 56 total findings; InspectFL has detailed violation rows for 38 of them so far.

How to read this page

Start with the newest inspection, then verify the pattern

The score is the shortcut. The inspection timeline is the real story. Read the latest visit first, open the official DBPR record when you need the source, then compare this restaurant with other options nearby.

Read latest inspection ↓ Open official DBPR ↗ Compare nearby ↓

Record snapshot

What stands out in this inspection history

Use this as context before you scroll through every inspection.

Inspections on file

Clean inspections

Callback visits

Latest clean pass

None on file yet

The latest inspection on August 8, 2026 shows 11 observation rows: 1 critical, 2 major, and 8 minor.

Official recordInspection data quality

DBPR source + data confidenceWhat’s powering this page

Official source: DBPR

Inspection coverage

100%

Inspector notes

Coverage note

Inspector notes linked where available

InspectFL turns public DBPR records into a scan-friendly timeline. Use the official DBPR link when you want to verify the newest inspection at the source. InspectFL reorganizes public DBPR inspection records into a page you can actually scan. When exact inspector notes are available, they appear inline. Otherwise, the page falls back to violation categories plus the official DBPR record.

What you’ll see here

•Inspector notes appear inline when available.
•The official DBPR inspection timeline still stays visible, even on pages with zero violations or zero inspector notes.

Map + verificationLocation + actions

Open the place or verify the recordSee the place, then share or verify

Open in Google Maps ↗ Open in Apple Maps ↗

DBPR

Community reaction

What do locals think?

Use the inspection history as the starting point, then compare it with real diner feedback. Vote first, then add what you actually saw.

Community pulse

Would you eat here?

TROPICAL RESTAURANT has a rough inspection history. Would you risk it?

F record

A rough inspection history changes the conversation. This vote is a quick read on community trust.

Join the discussion

Seen this place in person? Share what stood out — cleanliness, food handling, service, or whether the inspection record matches the real experience.

Add your take in under a minute

or comment with email

Also send the weekly restaurant roundup

Loading comments…

*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: Call Back - Extension given, pending
[14-17-4] Observed walk in coolers shelves with accumulation of rust at kitchen area.
[16-37-1] No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test kit available at the time of inspection.
[05-09-4] Observed no ambient thermometer inside walk in coolers at kitchen area.
[22-08-4] Observed microwave interior soiled over preparation grill at kitchen area. Also observed oven interior soiled next to dishwasher machine at kitchen area.
[13-03-4] Observed several employees engaged in food preparation with no hair restraint all around kitchen area.
[23-03-4] Observed gasket soiled with mold like substance under toaster machines at front counter. Also observed three compartment sink nuzzle hole with accumulation of mold like substance at kitchen area.
[35B-07-4] Openings to the outside for equipment, such as ventilation fans, not screened or otherwise protected when the equipment is not in operation. Observed not screen on fan over the back door next to fryer at back kitchen area.
[36-06-4] Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first. Observed on the floor next to fryer at kitchen area.
[50-08-7] Establishment operating without a license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Operator must obtain a public food service license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants within 60 days. Submit a license application and payment to DBPR/Bureau of Central Intake Unit, 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. To apply online or obtain an application for license visit https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/ Observed establishment operating and serving customer without a license.
[36-68-5] Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. Observed accumulation of grease when the walls all around kitchen area.
[51-16-7] No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan- Observed large shipping container stored behind property filled with restaurant equipment.

Official DBPR inspection report ↗

Disposition: Administrative complaint recommended
[22-08-4] Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave interior soiled over preparation grill at kitchen area. Also observed oven interior soiled next to dishwasher machine at kitchen area.
[01B-13-4] Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed approximately 1 flying insect landing on sliced ham and slice pork inside reach in cooler next to ice machine at front counter.
[10-01-5] In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed sugar scoop handle touching sugar inside container at back storage shelf in front of walk in cooler at kitchen area.
[16-37-1] No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test kit available at the time of inspection.
[23-03-4] Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gasket soiled with mold like substance under toaster machines at front counter. Also observed three compartment sink nuzzle hole with accumulation of mold like substance at kitchen area.
[25-32-4] Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Observed several reuse single service under preparation table next to three compartment sink at kitchen area.
[36-06-4] Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first. Observed in the floor next to fryer at kitchen area.
[29-42-4] Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed at kitchen area.
[41-17-4] Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle not identified in shelf located next to walk in cooler at back kitchen area.
[08B-38-4] Food stored on floor. Observed several food container stored on the floor inside walk in cooler in front of three compartment sink at kitchen area.
[14-17-4] Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in coolers shelves with accumulation of rust at kitchen area.
[02D-01-5] Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar container not identified under counter next to ice cream unit at front counter.
[31A-11-4] Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed food debris inside hand wash sink at kitchen area.
[36-02-5] Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed all around kitchen area.
[35A-03-4] Dead roaches on premises. Observed 1 dead roach under three compartment sink at kitchen area. Also observed approximately 3 dead roaches on trap under reach in freezer located in front of ice unit at kitchen area. Also observed approximately 1 dead roach under shelf located outside of office at break room area.
[14-09-4] Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed several grooved cutting boards on top of preparation tables all around kitchen area.
[21-12-4] Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth on top of preparation tables all around kitchen area not stored in sanitizing solution.
[31B-02-4] No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed in front of pork belly hot holding unit at front counter.
[24-14-4] Clean utensils stored between equipment and wall. Observed clean spatulas between wall and three compartment sink in front of walk in cooler at kitchen area.
[05-09-4] No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometer inside walk in coolers at kitchen area.
[03A-02-5] Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Sliced ham (52F - Cold Holding); Sliced pork (52F - Cold Holding) inside cold holding unit at front counter next to sandwich station. As per operator for less than 1 hour.
[13-03-4] Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed several employees engaged in food preparation with no hair restraint all around kitchen area.
[50-08-7] Establishment operating without a license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Operator must obtain a public food service license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants within 60 days. Submit a license application and payment to DBPR/Bureau of Central Intake Unit, 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. To apply online or obtain an application for license visit https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/ Observed establishment operating and serving customer without a license.
[03B-01-6] Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Pork chops (125F - Hot Holding) inside steam table at front counter. As per operator for less than 2 hours. Also observed Rice (122F - Hot Holding); Chicken stew (114F - Hot Holding) inside hold holding equipment next to oven at back kitchen area. As per operator for less than 2 hours. Also observed Cooked onions (103F - Hot Holding) in shelf over stove in front of dishwasher machine at kitchen area. As per employee for less than 1 hour. Also observed Black beans (87F - Hot Holding); Chicken Soup (91F - Hot Holding) over preparation table in front of big oven at back kitchen area. As per operator for less than 2 hours.
[02C-01-5] Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed no date marked on milk inside reach in cooler next to ice machine at front counter.
[36-27-5] Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed grease accumulation on the walls all around kitchen area.
[51-16-7] No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan- Observed large shipping container stored behind property filled with restaurant equipment.