Outback Steakhouse
4208 US 98 N, Lakeland, FL 33809 · Permanent Food Service · License 6307674
What drove the grade
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb at mop sink.
How the score was calculated
- Starting score100
- Violations at the Aug 31 complaint inspection2 high priority (1 fixed on the spot), 5 intermediate, 2 basic-26
- Complaint after follow-up on Sep 24Counts in full until a follow-up finds the problems fixed-20
- Safety score54
Our own summary of the public record, not an official state rating. How grades work · Report an error
Inspection history
2 inspections · 4 visitsLatest inspection
Complaint inspection
- 2nd follow-up visitSep 24, 2026 Complaint after follow-up
Problems from the first visit still weren't fixed, so the inspector recommended formal action by the state, which can include fines.
2 violations still not corrected:
Official report, on the Florida DBPR websiteWhat was still cited
Intermediate2
Code 31, Handwash sinks and supplies: Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area.
Observed waterline connections and missing hand sink in dish area. Verified hand sink supposed to be present in right corner. Dish area. Previous inspection 9/10/26 informed a work order submitted
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Faucet removed from center hand sink on cook line. No revisions changing designation in system. Previous inspection 9/10/26 informed a work order submitted
- 1st follow-up visitSep 10, 2026 Extension granted
Some problems still weren't fixed, but the owner was working on them, so the inspector allowed more time and will come back again.
2 violations still not corrected:
Official report, on the Florida DBPR websiteWhat was still cited
Intermediate2
Code 31, Handwash sinks and supplies: Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area.
More time given
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times.
More time given
- First visitAug 31, 2026 Warning issued
Problems were found that had to be fixed. The inspector will come back to check.
9 violations found:
Official report, on the Florida DBPR websiteWhat the inspector cited
High priority2
Code 29, Plumbing and backflow prevention: Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb at mop sink.
Code 41, Chemicals and toxic substances: Wiping cloth solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed stored in a location that could result in the cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles.
Sink and Surface Sanitizer Sani bucket tested at 848ppm. Manager remade and added water tested at 727ppm
Fixed on the spot
Intermediate5
Code 31, Handwash sinks and supplies: Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area.
Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Observed waterline connections and missing hand sink in dish area. Verified hand sink supposed to be present in right corner.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times.
Faucet removed from center hand sink on cook line. No revisions changing designation in system.
No soap, No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink.
At center cook line hand sink
No soap provided at handwash sink.
At center hand sink on cook line.
Code 51, Other sanitary and safe operation: Three compartment sink at main bar was taken out and replaced with a dish machine.
Hand sink at main bar moved to opposite wall of bar. 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/.
Basic2
Code 23, Non-food contact surfaces clean: Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.
Exterior of solar nozzles at service station soiled.
Code 31, Handwash sinks and supplies: No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees.
At center hand sink on cook line
Earlier inspections 1
A94Routine inspection4 violations, 1 high priority No follow-up needed
- First visitAug 6, 2026 No follow-up needed
Met the state's inspection standards; the inspector didn't need to come back. Any violations cited still count toward the grade.
4 violations found:
Official report, on the Florida DBPR websiteWhat the inspector cited
High priority1
Code 41, Chemicals and toxic substances: Wiping cloth solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed stored in a location that could result in the cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles.
Observed on cook line counter where food are stored, manager removed wiping cloth solution.
Fixed on the spot
Basic3
Code 16, Dishwashing facilities and test kits: Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Observed on top area of unit.
Code 22, Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized: Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Observed on interior upper chute area. Manager cleaned interior of ice machine.
Fixed on the spot
Code 24, Clean equipment storage and air drying: Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
Observed on containers in clean storage storage shelf.
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
- Nonfood-contact surface
- Surfaces food doesn’t touch, such as the outsides of equipment, handles and door gaskets.
- Vacuum breaker, backflow
- Plumbing parts that keep dirty water, such as from a mop sink hose, from flowing back into the clean water supply.
- Wet nesting
- Stacking dishes or containers before they have dried, which traps moisture where germs can grow.