What inspectors keep finding
We counted every finding in Flagler County inspection reports since July 1, 2025: 3,794 findings across 880 visits. These are the twelve that come up most:
- Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust (199 times)
- Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit (169 times)
- Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime (124 times)
- Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer (107 times)
- Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin (82 times)
- Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse (80 times)
- Equipment in poor repair (79 times)
- Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues (77 times)
- Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed (76 times)
- Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled (71 times)
- Food stored on floor (68 times)
- Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items (62 times)
What it tells us
The top of the list is mostly cleaning and upkeep: grease, dust and residue on surfaces, ice buildup in freezers, and mold-like growth in ice machines (a constant battle in Florida humidity). Those are basic or intermediate items.
The one that matters most is cold food held above 41°F. It's consistently one of the two most common findings, and it's high priority because bacteria multiply quickly between 41°F and 135°F. In a hot, humid place like coastal Florida, overloaded reach-in coolers and doors left open during a rush make this a year-round problem. It's also why "Stop Sale" orders, where the inspector has food thrown out, show up so often.
Ice machines deserve a special mention: the ice in your drink is food, and it's one of the most frequently cited items in the county.