Hardee's
435 S Temple Ave, Starke, FL 32091 · Permanent Food Service · License 1400044
What drove the grade
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found.
How the score was calculated
- Starting score100
- Violations at the Oct 28 routine inspection4 high priority (fixed before it reopened Oct 29), 9 basic-21
- Emergency closure on Oct 28, reopened Oct 29Counts 20 for 30 days after reopening, 10 until 90 days, then nothing-20
- Safety score59
Our own summary of the public record, not an official state rating. How grades work · Report an error
Inspection history
1 inspection · 3 visitsRoutine inspection
- 2nd follow-up visitOct 29, 2026 Reopened after closure
The inspector came back, found the problems fixed and allowed the business to reopen.
1 earlier violation still noted, but not enough to need another visit:
Official report, on the Florida DBPR websiteWhat was still cited
Basic1
Code 35, Insects, rodents, pests and animals: Dead roaches on premises.
At callback, observed 4 dead roaches in chemical area and 1 dead roach under the soda machine at the drive through. Operator swept up and discarded dead roaches. At callback: observed one dead roaches under mop black cabinet next to printer cart. Employee cleaned up and discarded.
FixedAdministrative complaintFixed on the spot
- 1st follow-up visitOct 29, 2026 Still closed
The inspector came back, but the problems still weren't fixed, so the business stayed closed.
3 violations still not corrected:
Official report, on the Florida DBPR websiteWhat was still cited
High priority1
Code 35, Insects, rodents, pests and animals: Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found.
At callback, observed no rodent droppings.
More time given
Basic2
Code 35, Insects, rodents, pests and animals: Dead roaches on premises.
At callback, observed 4 dead roaches in chemical area and 1 dead roach under the soda machine at the drive through. Operator swept up and discarded dead roaches.
FixedAdministrative complaint
Accumulation of dead birds, insects, rodents, or other pests.
At callback, no pests observed.
More time given
- First visitOct 28, 2026 Emergency closure
Conditions were a danger to public health, so the business was ordered to close immediately. It can't reopen until an inspector confirms the problems are fixed.
13 violations found:
Official report, on the Florida DBPR websiteWhat the inspector cited
High priority4
Code 29, Plumbing and backflow prevention: Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb.
Observed a hose bibb in the dumpster area without a vacuum breaker present.
Code 35, Insects, rodents, pests and animals: Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found.
Observed 12 rodent droppings. Approximately two rodent droppings observed in the back chemical area behind the shelf. Approximately five rodent droppings observed on top of the water heater. Approximately five rodent droppings observed under the front soda machine in dining room. Operator began sweeping the rodent droppings and discarded.
Fixed on the spot
Rodent burrow or rodent nesting materials present.
At the soda machine in the dining room, in the cabinet underneath, observed rodent nesting materials next to the soda line. Observed chewed up creamers used as nesting materials.
Code 41, Chemicals and toxic substances: Warewashing sanitizing solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed.
Observed Triple Sink (Quaternary 500+ppm) retest 400 ppm.
Fixed on the spot
Basic9
Code 22, Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized: Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Observed interior of microwave on the cook line with heavy soil and food debris.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Observed soda machine ice chute at drive through and dining room with black/green mold like substance. Observed the interior of the reach in cooler on cook line with heavy soil and debris.
Code 23, Non-food contact surfaces clean: Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles.
Observed heavy soil on the reach in cooler door handle on the cook line. Observed heavy soil of grease and dust behind the point of sale computer on the front server line.
Code 25, Single-service items: Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination.
Observed single service boxes on the top of the cook line without a covering, not inverted.
Code 35, Insects, rodents, pests and animals: Dead roaches on premises.
Observed 4 dead roaches. Three dead roaches in the back chemical area. One dead roach in the drive through area behind the soda machine. Operator swept up and discarded the dead roaches. Operator swept up and discarded dead roaches.
Fixed on the spot
Accumulation of dead birds, insects, rodents, or other pests.
Observed a dead flying insect on the side of the soda machine in the dining room.
Code 36, Floors, walls, ceilings and ventilation: Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair.
Observed missing and chipped tiles by the back door. Observed gap between ceiling tile and ceiling in the area next to the walk-in cooler. Observed a large hole in the ceiling above the water heater in back chemical room. Observed a hole where the soda lines are, under the soda machine in the cabinet in the dining room.
Floors, walls, ceilings soiled/has accumulation of debris.
Observed walls on cook line with heavy grease and food debris. Observed heavy grease and food debris in between the fryers. Observed walk-in cooler floor with heavy soil. Observed reach in freezer floor with heavy soil. Observed pooled grease on the floor on the cook line by the flat top grill. Observed ceiling tiles in dish area with black/green mold like substance. Observed ceiling tiles in area next to walk-in cooler with heavy soil. Observed heavy soil of grease and food debris in between equipment on the front server line. Observed heavy soil of grease and food debris in between equipment and shelves in the drive through area.
Code 42, Premises and cleaning equipment: Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Observed wet mop, not in use in the biscuit area, leaned up against a table. Operator moved mop to hang up in mop sink area.
Fixed on the spot
Reading this report
Priority levels
- High priority The problems most likely to make someone sick directly.
- Intermediate Could lead to a high-priority problem if not fixed.
- Basic Best practices and general upkeep.
Terms in the inspectors’ reports
- Vacuum breaker, backflow
- Plumbing parts that keep dirty water, such as from a mop sink hose, from flowing back into the clean water supply.