WINTER HAVEN, Polk County

LITTLE JOHNS DINER

3080 CYPRESS GARDENS ROAD, WINTER HAVEN, FL 33884

FoodSeating
Latest violations
4
2 Intermediate
May 28, 2026
City
WINTER HAVEN
County
Polk
Status
Current / Active
Inspections
14

Violation history

Florida violations grouped by priority level over time.

Inspection history

Florida inspections are violation-priority based, with high priority, intermediate, and basic counts shown separately.

May 28, 2026

Routine - Food

Call Back - Admin. complaint recommended

Intermediate: 2Basic: 2Total: 4

53A-02-7

Detail 24598059

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Observed - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. The only Certified Food Manager in the establishment certificate is expired. Paul Houvardas 11-11-2020. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation - ServSafe Warning - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-31: Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. The only Certified Food Manager in the establishment certificate is expired. Paul Houvardas 11-11-2020. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation - ServSafe Time Extended - From follow-up inspection 2026-05-28: No proof. Admin Complaint

53B-01-5

Detail 24598058

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Observed - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Repeat Violation Admin Complaint - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-31: No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233 Admin Complaint - From follow-up inspection 2026-05-28: No proof Admin Complaint

13-03-4

Detail 24598061

Basic - - From initial inspection : Observed - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Operator preparing food on the cook line. Repeat Violation Warning - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-31: Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Operator preparing food on the cook line. Admin Complaint - From follow-up inspection 2026-05-28: Cook No hair restraints Time Extended

23-03-4

Detail 24598060

Basic - - From initial inspection : Observed - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on the flip top reach in cooler. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-31: Gaskets on the flip top reach in cooler. Admin Complaint - From follow-up inspection 2026-05-28: Soiled Time Extended

Mar 31, 2026

Routine - Food

Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 3Basic: 3Total: 7

22-49-4

Detail 24591029

High Priority - Observed - From initial inspection : High Priority - Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dishmachine sanitizer at 00ppm. Operator discontinued using the dishmachine. I had the operator to setup the 3 compartment sink. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-31: Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dishmachine sanitizer at 00ppm. Operator discontinued using the dishmachine. I had the operator to setup the 3 compartment sink. Run dishwasher 3 times 0ppm Admin Complaint

53A-02-7

Detail 24591033

Intermediate - Observed - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. The only Certified Food Manager in the establishment certificate is expired. Paul Houvardas 11-11-2020. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation - ServSafe Warning - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-31: Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. The only Certified Food Manager in the establishment certificate is expired. Paul Houvardas 11-11-2020. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation - ServSafe Time Extended

16-37-1

Detail 24591028

Intermediate - Observed - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-31: No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Admin Complaint

53B-01-5

Detail 24591032

Intermediate - Observed - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Repeat Violation Admin Complaint - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-31: No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233 Admin Complaint

13-03-4

Detail 24591027

Basic - Observed - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Operator preparing food on the cook line. Repeat Violation Warning - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-31: Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Operator preparing food on the cook line. Admin Complaint

23-03-4

Detail 24591030

Basic - Observed - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on the flip top reach in cooler. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-31: Gaskets on the flip top reach in cooler. Admin Complaint

29-11-4

Detail 24591031

Basic - Observed - From initial inspection : Basic - Water leaking from faucet/handle. 3 compartment sink. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-31: Water leaking from faucet/handle. 3 compartment sink. Admin Complaint

Mar 20, 2026

Routine - Food

Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority: 2Intermediate: 4Basic: 3Total: 9

22-49-4

Detail 24569989

High Priority - Observed: Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dishmachine sanitizer at 00ppm. Operator discontinued using the dishmachine. I had the operator to setup the 3 compartment sink. Warning Priority: High Priority

22-48-5

Detail 24569988

High Priority - Observed: Establishment using a sanitizer solution that does not meet the requirements specified in 40 CFR 180. Only use single-service items to serve food to customers until approved sanitizer is available for warewashing. Sanitizer available not approved for Food contact surface. The operator sent an employee to buy the correct chlorine bleach that’s approved for food contact surface. Chlorine sanitizer is at 100 ppm. Warning Priority: High Priority

53A-02-7

Detail 24569994

Intermediate - Observed: Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. The only Certified Food Manager in the establishment certificate is expired. Paul Houvardas 11-11-2020. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation - ServSafe Warning Priority: Intermediate

31B-02-4

Detail 24569992

Intermediate - Observed: No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Hand washing sink in the kitchen and dishwasher area. Warning Priority: Intermediate

53B-01-5

Detail 24569985

Intermediate - Observed: No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Repeat Violation Admin Complaint Priority: Intermediate

31B-03-4

Detail 24569993

Intermediate - Observed: No soap provided at handwash sink. Hand washing sink in the kitchen. Warning Priority: Intermediate

13-03-4

Detail 24569986

Basic - Observed: Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Operator preparing food on the cook line. Repeat Violation Warning Priority: Basic

23-03-4

Detail 24569990

Basic - Observed: Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on the flip top reach in cooler. Warning Priority: Basic

29-11-4

Detail 24569991

Basic - Observed: Water leaking from faucet/handle. 3 compartment sink. Warning Priority: Basic

16-37-1 Observed: No chemical test kit p

Detail 24569987

Observed: No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Warning Priority: Intermediate

Mar 31, 2026

Routine - Food

Call Back - Admin. complaint recommended

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 3Basic: 3Total: 7

22-49-4

Detail 24479699

High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dishmachine sanitizer at 00ppm. Operator discontinued using the dishmachine. I had the operator to setup the 3 compartment sink. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-31: Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dishmachine sanitizer at 00ppm. Operator discontinued using the dishmachine. I had the operator to setup the 3 compartment sink. Run dishwasher 3 times 0ppm Admin Complaint

53A-02-7

Detail 24479696

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. The only Certified Food Manager in the establishment certificate is expired. Paul Houvardas 11-11-2020. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation - ServSafe Warning - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-31: Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. The only Certified Food Manager in the establishment certificate is expired. Paul Houvardas 11-11-2020. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation - ServSafe Time Extended

16-37-1

Detail 24479698

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-31: No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Admin Complaint

53B-01-5

Detail 24479700

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Repeat Violation Admin Complaint - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-31: No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233 Admin Complaint

13-03-4

Detail 24479702

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Operator preparing food on the cook line. Repeat Violation Warning - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-31: Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Operator preparing food on the cook line. Admin Complaint

23-03-4

Detail 24479701

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on the flip top reach in cooler. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-31: Gaskets on the flip top reach in cooler. Admin Complaint

29-11-4

Detail 24479697

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Water leaking from faucet/handle. 3 compartment sink. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-31: Water leaking from faucet/handle. 3 compartment sink. Admin Complaint

Mar 20, 2026

Routine - Food

Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority: 2Intermediate: 5Basic: 3Total: 10

22-49-4

Detail 24456458

High Priority - Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dishmachine sanitizer at 00ppm. Operator discontinued using the dishmachine. I had the operator to setup the 3 compartment sink. Warning

22-48-5

Detail 24456457

High Priority - Establishment using a sanitizer solution that does not meet the requirements specified in 40 CFR 180. Only use single-service items to serve food to customers until approved sanitizer is available for warewashing. Sanitizer available not approved for Food contact surface. The operator sent an employee to buy the correct chlorine bleach that's approved for food contact surface. Chlorine sanitizer is at 100 ppm. Warning

53A-02-7

Detail 24456452

Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. The only Certified Food Manager in the establishment certificate is expired. Paul Houvardas 11-11-2020. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation - ServSafe Warning

16-37-1

Detail 24456456

Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Warning

31B-02-4

Detail 24456460

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Hand washing sink in the kitchen and dishwasher area. Warning

53B-01-5

Detail 24456461

Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

31B-03-4

Detail 24456459

Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Hand washing sink in the kitchen. Warning

13-03-4

Detail 24456454

Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Operator preparing food on the cook line. Repeat Violation Warning

23-03-4

Detail 24456453

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on the flip top reach in cooler. Warning

29-11-4

Detail 24456455

Basic - Water leaking from faucet/handle. 3 compartment sink. Warning

Sep 11, 2025

Routine - Food

Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 1Basic: 4Total: 6

50-17-3

Detail 24024869

High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. February 1,2025. Admin Complaint

53B-01-5

Detail 24024866

Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Warning

50-09-4

Detail 24024867

Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. February 1,2021 Warning

40-06-5

Detail 24024870

Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Eyeglasses on the cutting board on the reach in cooler across from the cook line. Warning

13-03-4

Detail 24024871

Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Operator cooking food on the cook line. Warning

42-01-4

Detail 24024868

Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. In the dry storage area. Warning

Aug 15, 2024

Routine - Food

Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 1Basic: 1Total: 3

50-17-3

Detail 23069104

High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Admin Complaint

22-02-4

Detail 23069103

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener soiled with food debris.

13-03-4

Detail 23069102

Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Cook with no hair net.

Feb 20, 2024

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 1Total: 1

50-17-3

Detail 22655717

High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.

Feb 20, 2024

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

Sep 22, 2023

Routine - Food

Warning Issued

Intermediate: 1Basic: 3Total: 4

53B-01-5

Detail 22307178

Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Warning

16-23-4

Detail 22307177

Basic - Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine. Warning

13-03-4

Detail 22307176

Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employee preparing food. Repeat Violation Warning

14-11-5

Detail 22307175

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Door on the flat top reach in cooler across from the fryers. Warning

Feb 3, 2023

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 2Intermediate: 2Basic: 2Total: 6

50-17-3

Detail 21752314

High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. February 1,2023.

03B-01-6

Detail 21752316

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Grits 125F. The operator turned the burner on to reheat the grits to 165F. Corrective Action Taken

11-27-4

Detail 21752315

Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.

11-26-1

Detail 21752312

Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.

13-03-4

Detail 21752311

Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Operator preparing food on the cook line.

36-27-5

Detail 21752313

Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall in the behind the dishwasher is soiled with black-mold like substance.

Aug 9, 2022

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Intermediate: 4Basic: 6Total: 10

11-07-5

Detail 21260860

Intermediate - Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items. Gave the operator a copy of the Big "6"Food Borne Illness. Corrective Action Taken

12A-03-4

Detail 21260854

Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. At the 3 compartment sink.

31B-02-4

Detail 21260863

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Kitchen

31B-03-4

Detail 21260856

Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Employee provided soap. kitchen Corrected On-Site

51-11-4

Detail 21260861

Basic - Carbon dioxide tanks not adequately secured. Inside the dry storage area and next to the beverage syrup rack.

12B-02-4

Detail 21260862

Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Employee eating pancakes and sausage on top of the flattop reach in cooler in the kitchen. Employee went to the dining area to eat his food. Corrected On-Site

13-03-4

Detail 21260859

Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Operator on the cook line.

10-07-4

Detail 21260855

Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Ice cream scoops in water at 78F. On the table next to the milkshake mixer.

22-08-4

Detail 21260858

Basic - Interior of microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Red microwave on the table across from the stove.

08B-12-5

Detail 21260857

Basic - Stored food not covered. Ham inside the walk in cooler.

Sep 29, 2021

Routine - Food

Call Back - Admin. complaint recommended

Intermediate: 1Total: 1

53B-01-5

Detail 20548549

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2021-09-29: No proof of employee training. Admin Complaint

Jul 30, 2021

Routine - Food

Warning Issued

Intermediate: 3Basic: 4Total: 7

53A-01-7

Detail 20388448

Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Warning

53B-01-5

Detail 20388445

Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Warning

14-14-4

Detail 20388450

Intermediate - Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Basting brush used for buttering the toast has a metal band. Warning

13-03-4

Detail 20388449

Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Operator cooking food on the cook line. Warning

22-08-4

Detail 20388446

Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of food debris. Warning

23-03-4

Detail 20388447

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food , dirt, slime / mold-like substance.on the walk in cooler door gasket. Warning

25-05-4

Detail 20388451

Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Coffee filters not stored in a protective manner. An employee inverted the coffee filters. Corrected On-Site Warning