Florida Burger King Shuts Down Again After State Inspection – Third Closure Since 2020 in Florida

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Fast food remains a popular choice for many Americans, with reports indicating that 37% of the population indulges in some form of it every day. Among the options for Floridians is Burger King, a homegrown chain offering affordable meal deals, including its current $5 special. However, a Burger King located at 2019 E Lumsden Road in Brandon recently found itself in hot water after being temporarily shut down following a state inspection, marking its third closure in recent years.

Inspection Details and Violations

On August 22, 2024, inspectors from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) conducted an inspection at the Brandon Burger King, uncovering eight violations. While some of the infractions were minor, a few were serious enough to warrant the temporary closure of the restaurant.

Basic violations included dead roaches found on a glue board, clean utensils being stored in a soiled container, ice buildup in the walk-in freezer, a dirty soda fountain, and unwashed tomatoes being stored with ready-to-eat produce.

Among the more concerning findings was an intermediate violation involving the temperature of the handwashing sink, which was too cold at 74 degrees—well below acceptable levels for sanitization. However, it was the discovery of rodent droppings that triggered the high-priority violation, raising alarms about the overall hygiene and cleanliness of the location.

Due to these issues, the restaurant was ordered to shut down temporarily. A follow-up inspection on August 23, 2024, cleared the restaurant of all violations, allowing it to reopen after meeting state standards.

A Troubling History

This latest incident is not the first time the Lumsden Road Burger King has faced a temporary closure. The location was previously shut down in January 2020 and again in September 2021, both times due to health violations involving cleanliness and food safety.

While inspections represent a snapshot of a restaurant’s operations at a given moment, repeated closures suggest ongoing challenges for the establishment. As the fast-food industry continues to adapt to changing customer expectations and health regulations, maintaining a consistent standard of cleanliness remains essential for customer trust and satisfaction.

Moving Forward

As Burger King looks to navigate its operational hurdles, the recent inspection serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining strict food safety protocols. For patrons of the Brandon location, the temporary closure may raise concerns about the quality of their meals, but the swift reopening following a clean bill of health offers some reassurance.

With fast food remaining a go-to for many Floridians, this location—and others like it—will need to remain vigilant in upholding food safety standards to avoid future closures and protect the chain's reputation.