How to Check Restaurant Health Inspections in Jacksonville

Who Inspects Jacksonville Restaurants

The Duval County Health Department's Food Protection Program conducts routine and complaint-driven inspections of food service establishments throughout Jacksonville and unincorporated Duval County. Inspectors evaluate compliance with Florida Administrative Code Chapter 61C-4, checking for proper food handling, temperature control, sanitation, and employee practices. The agency also investigates foodborne illness complaints and conducts follow-up inspections when violations are found. Beach-area establishments in Jacksonville Beach are subject to the same standards but may have additional oversight from the Jacksonville Beach Health Department.

Where to Find Jacksonville Restaurant Inspection Scores Online

The Duval County Health Department publishes inspection reports through the Florida Department of Health's official online portal. Visit the Florida DHEC website and search by restaurant name, address, or location to pull up inspection history dating back several years. Reports include the inspection date, score, violation categories (critical, major, or minor), and corrective actions taken. The Florida Department of Health maintains this centralized database for all county health departments, making it the authoritative source. Response times and data updates can vary, so reports may lag 1–2 weeks behind the actual inspection date.

Understanding Jacksonville's Inspection Scoring System

Duval County uses a point-deduction scoring system where restaurants start at 100 points and lose points for each violation found. Critical violations—those that pose an immediate health risk, such as improper food temperatures or cross-contamination—typically result in larger point reductions. Major violations involve practices that could lead to foodborne illness if not corrected, while minor violations are lower-risk issues. A score of 90 or above generally indicates good compliance, though the specific threshold for closure is determined by severity and case-by-case assessment. Historical inspection records show patterns over time, allowing you to evaluate whether a restaurant maintains consistent standards or has recurring problems.

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