Whale Harbor Seafood Buffet & Sandbar
83413 Overseas Hwy Bldg. #1, Islamorada, FL 33036 · Permanent Food Service · License 5428323
What drove the grade
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength.
How the score was calculated
- Starting score100
- Violations at the Nov 5 routine inspection2 high priority (1 fixed on the spot), 2 intermediate, 1 basic-16
- Safety score84
Our own summary of the public record, not an official state rating. How grades work · Report an error
Inspection history
1 inspection · 1 visitRoutine inspection
- First visitNov 5, 2026 Warning issued
Problems were found that had to be fixed. The inspector will come back to check.
5 violations found:
Official report, on the Florida DBPR websiteWhat the inspector cited
High priority2
Code 03, Food out of temperature: Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41°F.
Holding); lobster (45*F); butter (46*F - Cold Holding) lobster and butter was put into walk in cooler to rapid cool
Fixed on the spot
Code 22, Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized: Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength.
Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Chlorine at 0 ppm COS 100 ppm
Intermediate2
Code 02, Labeling, date marking and consumer advisory: Menu contains an item made with a raw/undercooked animal food as an ingredient and description of item does not inform consumer of raw/undercooked animal food ingredient.
Beef tartar, beef carpaccio not identified as raw in the menu.
Code 51, Other sanitary and safe operation: 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-review/. The Whale Harbor restaurant is being renovated at time of inspection. A new concept without the buffet food service. The Flagler station restaurant is operating at 5 pm w-s. Plans have not been completed for the renovation.
Basic1
Code 31, Handwash sinks and supplies: No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees.
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
- Time/temperature control for safety food
- Food that has to be kept hot, at 135°F or above, or cold, at 41°F or below, to stay safe: meat, seafood, eggs, dairy, cooked rice and beans, cut melons and the like.