Florida KFC Shut Down After State Inspection - 10 Violations

Photo byJoël de VriendonUnsplash

Good, southern fried chicken is arguably a Florida staple. And Floridians who want some that they don't have to cook themselves don't have to travel very far. Although Chick-fil-A has been previously named Florida's favorite fast food restaurant, there is also Zaxby's, Popeye's, KFC, and even the Publix, Winn Dixie, or Walmart delis. However, one KFC, in Clearwater, was recently shut down after a state inspection.

About Kentucky Fried Chicken In Florida: Many people know the story of Harland Sanders serving his special recipe chicken out of a gas station in the 1930s. From those humble beginnings, KFC has grown to include around 24,000 KFC locations worldwide. Florida has 286 stores.

The location in question, at 1648 S Missouri Avenue, earns mixed reviews, earning 3.4 out of 5 stars. Many complain about poor customer service. For example, a reviewer named Micki writes:

"Food always shriveled up and old at the south Missouri in Clearwater, Florida. This place is the worst! I've always loved KFC in NYC. Here it's old dried-up chicken and corn is old too. Had enough. Won't be going back...'

What Happened At Inspection?: According to data from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, an inspection occurred on August 15, 2024. At that time, 10 violations were noted.

Examples of basic violations were an exterior door with a gap at the threshold, a non-working mop sink, and a plumbing system in disrepair.

High-priority violations occurred because sewage and wastewater were backing up through floor drains, live flying insects were observed, and water was draining from the air conditioning with "green water pooling in (the) parking area on (the) ground of establishment draining from (a) pipe on (the) roof."

As a result of some of the above violations, the restaurant temporarily shut down.

Three violations remained at a follow-up inspection on August 16, 2024, but the restaurant "met inspection standards" and was free to reopen.

Please note that an inspection is one moment in time and not necessarily how a restaurant conducts itself every day.