4050 BOATWAY RD, FORT MYERS, FL 33905
WAFFLE HOUSE #870 has a mixed inspection record — 4 violations in the past year, including 2 high-priority. Not alarming, but worth knowing before you order. The trailing-year record shows 4 violations, including 2 high-priority and 0 Emergency Orders of Closure.
Scores higher than 44% of the 931 inspected restaurants in FORT MYERS on the trailing-year record.
2 high-priority violations on the trailing-year record — above the Lee County average of 1.9.
Full available history. The score uses only the most recent 365 days — older visits are shown for context, not counted.
This visit closed with no further action required.
Food held, cooled, cooked, or reheated outside safe temperatures, letting dangerous bacteria multiply.
Surfaces that touch food — cutting boards, ice bins, dish racks — soiled or not sanitized.
Clean equipment and utensils stored improperly or not air-dried.
Scoops and other in-use utensils stored improperly (e.g. handle down in the food).
Scoops and other in-use utensils stored improperly (e.g. handle down in the food).
Clean equipment and utensils stored improperly or not air-dried.
Garbage overflowing or uncovered, or the premises not maintained.
Cleaning chemicals or other toxic substances unlabeled or stored where they can reach food.
Surfaces that touch food — cutting boards, ice bins, dish racks — soiled or not sanitized.
Clean equipment and utensils stored improperly or not air-dried.
Single-use items (cups, straws, to-go containers) stored or handled improperly.
Other conditions related to sanitary and safe operation.
Hands not washed or gloves not changed when required, or employees eating, drinking, or smoking in food areas.
Handwash sink missing, blocked, or used for other purposes, or missing soap, towels, or the handwash sign.
Missing hair or beard restraint, dirty work clothes, jewelry, or painted/artificial fingernails during food prep.
Single-use items (cups, straws, to-go containers) stored or handled improperly.
Inadequate lighting, or bulbs over food areas not shielded or shatter-protected.
Cleaning chemicals or other toxic substances unlabeled or stored where they can reach food.
Handwash sink missing, blocked, or used for other purposes, or missing soap, towels, or the handwash sign.
Scoops and other in-use utensils stored improperly (e.g. handle down in the food).
Food-contact or nonfood-contact surfaces improperly designed, constructed, maintained, or located.
Clean equipment and utensils stored improperly or not air-dried.
Inadequate lighting, or bulbs over food areas not shielded or shatter-protected.
Every violation on this record falls into one of the state's standardized categories. Here is what each category covers and why inspectors check for it — in plain English, with the trailing-year count for this kitchen.
Cold food must stay at 41°F or below and hot food at 135°F or above, through receiving, holding, cooking, cooling, and reheating. The range in between is where bacteria multiply fastest, which is why temperature control is checked on nearly every visit.
On this record, the category appears in 1 of the 3 trailing-year inspections. The written details for each entry are in the state inspection documents linked above.
Dirty Dish List is built from public inspection data published by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The inspection dates, dispositions, and violations on this report card mirror what the state has on file for License No. 4603948 — you can read the original documents yourself and compare.