GATORS DOCKSIDE

Name: GATORS DOCKSIDE
Address: 8316 MERCHANTS WAY, JACKSONVILLE, FL, 32222, US
Rating: 45.5

8316 MERCHANTS WAY, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32222

License #2615806

🦞 Seafood ℹ️

45.5 Grade F / 100

Failing Health Score

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Latest inspection

September 28, 2026 · 10 findings · 2 critical

Routine - Food

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Usually lower-risk context.

Quick take

GATORS DOCKSIDE in JACKSONVILLE currently holds an InspectFL Health Score of 45.5 out of 100 — an F grade — a serious pattern of repeat or critical violations. This restaurant has been inspected 9 times from Florida DBPR, with the most recent inspection on September 28, 2026. Across those visits, inspectors documented 89 total violations — 18 critical, 15 major, 56 minor.

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Record snapshot

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Inspections on file

Clean inspections

Callback visits

Latest clean pass

June 5, 2026

The latest inspection on September 28, 2026 shows 10 observation rows: 2 critical, 2 major, and 6 minor.

Official recordInspection data quality

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Inspection coverage

78%

Inspector notes

Coverage note

Inspector notes linked where available

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Community reaction

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GATORS DOCKSIDE has a rough inspection history. Would you risk it?

F record

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*Scores are calculated by InspectFL based on public DBPR inspection data and are not official state ratings.

Inspection timeline

Inspection History

Read the newest inspection first, then scan for patterns. Repeated high-priority findings matter more than one isolated bad day.

Critical Major Minor

Inspector notes are being added across all restaurants. Some inspections may only show violation codes until notes are available.

Disposition: Administrative complaint recommended
[14-01-5] Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Soufflé cup used as a scoop in container of raisins in dry storage. Manager removed the soufflé cup.
[24-08-4] Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Water observed between stacked plastic cups by soda machine on service line.
[36-73-4] Floor/wall/ceiling/vent soiled/has accumulation of debris. Multiple vents, surrounding ceiling tiles and surrounding light fixtures in kitchen, at back exit door area and ware washing with heavy dust. Floor soiled with black build up in walk-in freezer and under shelving in walk-in cooler.
[14-69-4] Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup up observed on the cooling unit in the walk-in freezer. Trash can in dishroom with build up on exterior of trash can.
[23-03-4] Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Underplating behind nozzles on both soda machines is soiled. Gasket on beer walk-in cooler door is soiled. Hood filters have grease build up.
[29-49-6] Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Standing water observed in bottom of right reach-in cooler on the make line.
[01B-02-5] Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cut tomato (47F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese (46F/46F/48F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (51F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (46F - Cold Holding); raw beef (44F - Cold Holding)in left cold bar on make line. Per employee, all products have been in the same cooler overnight.
[03A-02-5] Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. See stop sale. Coleslaw in server reach-in cooler at 47F. Manager states coleslaw was brought out two hours prior. Coleslaw returned to refrigerator. Also, observed cut tomato (47F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese (46F/46F/48F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (51F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (46F - Cold Holding); raw beef (44F - Cold Holding)in left cold bar on make line. Per employee, all products have been in the same cooler overnight. Also, observed spinach dip with cream cheese at 45F. Per employee, spinach dip brought from walk-in cooler approximately 1.25 hours prior. Spinach dip moved to another cold holding unit.
[22-02-4] Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade has food debris. Interior of blue soda gun at bar has slime-like substance.
[53B-14-5] Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Multiple employees proof of food handler training is expired.

Disposition: Met Inspection Standards
[36-34-5] Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling soiled with dust and old grease residue. Ceiling vents soiled with dust.
[40-06-5] Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed two phones and a vape over food prep table in food prep area. Operator removed phone from table.
[24-08-4] Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed Wet nesting on metal pans on clean dishes rack.
[14-10-4] Equipment or utensils not designed or constructed in a durable manner. Multiple plastic spatulas in warewash area chipped.
[23-03-4] Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with grease. Fans In beer cooler soiled with dust.
[33-16-4] Open dumpster lid. Dumpster lid open. Also, boxes on dumpster pad. Cleaned during this inspection and lid closed.
[08B-17-4] Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Observed unwashed produce over ready to eat food in walk in cooler, operator relocated unwashed produce.
[21-12-4] Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth not in use on food prep table on cook line.
[01B-01-4] Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. 1 can of Poloner Rasberry dented at the seem.
[01A-05-4] Food/ice received from unapproved source/no invoice provided to verify source. See Stop Sale. Observed 3 containers of food in freezer called Sarahs Tusso Sauce, operator, could not provide and invoice for the food product, operator was notified of stop sale.
[35A-02-7] Live, small flying insects found One small flying insect observed in warewash area.
[03A-02-5] Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Ranch in reach in reach in cooler on wait station at 56F, Cole Slaw in reach in cooler at wait station 44F. ambient temperature of cooler at 44F, operator placed items in walk in cooler. Suggested time as a public health control to operator.
[41-10-4] Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed sanitizer bucket on top of soda syrup boxes. Operator moved the bucket.
[02C-03-5] Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Milk in reach in cooler at beginning of wait station was not date marked, operator stated it had been opened the previous day first thing in the morning. Operator placed a date mark on it. Ranch made two days ago in reach in cooler on cook line made onsite with TCS products not date marked. Operator applied date make to ranch.
[22-02-4] Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed stained cutting board on clean dishes rack. Observed mold like substance on ice bin deflector.
[53B-14-5] Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. One employee has an expired food handling certification. One employee does not have proof of training operator stated he has been with the company for more 30 days.

Disposition: Warning Issued
[36-34-5] Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Multiple ceiling tiles surrounding vents on cook line and server line have build up of dust.
[24-08-4] Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. On metal rack next to walk-in cooler, multiple pans stacked before properly air drying.
[36-73-4] Floor, wall and/or celing soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor under fryers on cook line soiled with grease and food debris. Also, floor under server line has build up of debris.
[10-01-5] In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. On server line next to reach in cooler, container of sugar with pitcher handle in product. Manager removed handle from product.
[10-06-5] In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. In fry side stand up reach in cooler, handle of scoop in chicken wings. Employee lifted handle of scoop out of food product.
[22-08-4] Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Top interior of both microwaves on grill side of cook line has food debris.
[23-03-4] Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. On cook line, hood filters have build up of grease. Also, multiple gaskets soiled throughout kitchen and bar area. Also, under stove on cook line, table has build up of debris. Also, on soda machine in server line and bar area, around soda nozzles soiled.
[22-16-4] Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Interior of all reach in cooler on cook line have build up of soiled residues/food debris.
[29-49-6] Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. On fry side of cook line, interior of reach in cooler has standing water.
[36-50-4] Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. In fryer side reach in cooler on cook line that holds chicken, fan cover has build up of dust.
[21-08-4] Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. At cook line and prep area, Sanitizer Bucket Quaternary 0ppm. Manager remade sanitizer bucket and rechecked at 150ppm.
[35A-02-7] Live, small flying insects found. Observed 1 flying insect on cook line.
[41-17-4] Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. At bar, spray bottle of clear liquid not labeled. Manager stated it is sanitizer and labeled bottle.

Disposition: Warning Issued
[36-34-5] Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents/walls/floors soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Wall above hand wash sink at three compartment sink has dust. Multiple vents and surrounding ceiling tiles in kitchen and food prep areas are soiled and/or have dust. Floors under left shelving in walk in cooler, in beer walk in cooler and around mop sink area are soiled.
[14-09-4] Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Two cutting boards on clean pan storage rack by prep area have deep cuts, no longer smooth.
[13-04-4] Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Beard guards absent on grill cook and prep cook.
[33-19-4] Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Loose debris/garbage on the ground inside of dumpster enclosure.
[23-03-4] Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Exterior of bins of flour at breading station have heavy grease/soiled. Top of reach in coolers across from the fryers have excessive dust/debris. Two bus tubs storing clean lids on storage rack by prep areas are soiled.
[33-16-4] Open dumpster lid. Both dumpsters have left lids open. Employee closed lids.
[22-16-4] Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Interior of both larger reach in coolers on cook line have build up of food debris, one area in right cooler with mold in back right corner.
[25-32-4] Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. In walk in cooler, washed and portioned bags of mushrooms are stored in the original mushroom box which has visible dirt on box interior.
[35A-02-6] Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. One live flying insect in dry storage room. One live flying insect at bag in box soda rack. One live flying insect at fryers. One live flying insect at dishmachine.
[03B-01-6] Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked chicken held at expo window at 88F. Observed container stored beyond end of heat lamp. Employee could not determine how long ago chicken was prepared and voluntarily discarded cooked chicken.
[41-15-5] Wiping cloth solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed stored in a location that could result in the cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Wiping cloth solution at prep area tested at 200+ppm chlorine. Manager remade solution to 100ppm chlorine.
[22-02-4] Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade has food debris. Sandwich press at end of cook line is soiled. Manager states has not been used.
[53B-14-5] Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Cailee H certification expired 8/8/2023, Danielle O certification expired 9/4/2024, Tyrone B certification expired 6/4/2023 and Austin S certification expired 6/20/2021.

Disposition: Warning Issued
[36-34-5] Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling vents above dish machine and prep table on make line have dust build up.
[40-06-5] Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Under prep table by triple sink, employee headphones over box of gloves and paper towels.
[36-12-4] Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Entrance of walk in cooler floor showing raw concrete.
[08B-38-4] Food stored on floor. In walk in cooler, three cases of raw chicken on ground. Manager removed boxes from ground.
[33-19-4] Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Dumpster enclosure has build up of bagged and unbagged trash around enclosure.
[22-08-4] Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Both interior microwaves in kitchen are soiled with food debris.
[23-03-4] Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters have grease build up.
[16-46-4] Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. 10 plus plastic clean containers have old labels.
[33-16-4] Open dumpster lid. Open dumpster lid.
[12B-13-4] Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Employee energy drink in standing walk in cooler to the left of make line. Employee drink removed.
[25-05-4] Single-service articles improperly stored. Case of to go cups and lids on ground next to canned storage rack in kitchen.
[35A-02-6] Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed two flying insects in dish area of kitchen.
[02C-03-5] Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Open milk container in walk in cooler that was open 10 am day prior was not dated. Manager added date mark.
[22-02-4] Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade soiled has build up of food debris.
[53B-14-5] Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. One employee training expired two months prior. Manager stated employee is in process of getting renewed.

Disposition: Warning Issued
[24-05-4] Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Two blue ice buckets near ice machine in kitchen. Buckets inverted.
[36-12-4] Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Floor at entrance to walk in cooler in kitchen is cracked.
[36-73-4] Floors, walls, and/or ceilings soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor in walk in cooler. Floor in walk in freezer. Floor and floor drains in bar. Wall under dish machine.
[08B-38-4] Food stored on floor. Plastic juice bottles stored on floor in beer cooler. Bottles moved and stored correctly.
[33-19-4] Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster. Dumpster area on east side of establishment. Area cleaned by employee.
[14-42-4] Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. Missing filter above fryers in kitchen. Manager states that filter recently broke and new one has been ordered.
[14-69-4] Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. In walk in freezer.
[23-03-4] Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters above cooking equipment in kitchen. Sides of fryers on cook line. Multiple trash containers in kitchen. Cabinet below beer taps in bar.
[33-16-4] Open dumpster lid. Both dumpster lids are open. Lids closed.
[25-05-4] Single-service articles improperly stored. Case of to go containers on floor in dry storage area of kitchen. Containers moved and stored correctly.
[21-12-4] Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Wet cloth stored on cook line in kitchen. Wet cloth stored on server station in kitchen. Cloths moved and stored correctly.
[21-38-4] Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Red sanitizer bucket on cook line. Bucket moved and stored correctly.
[12A-13-4] Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. On cook line in kitchen, employee dropped glove on floor, picked glove up and placed into trash, and immediately placed new glove on without washing hands. Manager coached employee on proper hand washing procedures.
[12A-17-4] Employee rubbed hands together for less than 10-15 seconds while washing hands. Dish washer washed hands at hand washing sink near dish machine for approximately three seconds. Manager coached employee on proper hand washing procedures. Dishwasher washed hands again.
[35A-02-6] Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed approximately 40 live flies in establishment: one in the dish area in kitchen area, four near service bar at bar, and 35 behind drink dispenser at bar in dining area. Flies were landing on clean plastic cups and to go cups, and cut lemons near drink dispenser at bar. Employee began cleaning area at bar.
[03A-02-5] Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. On pass through window cold well, coleslaw and ranch dressing 49F. Items placed into service approximately two hours prior. Items moved to reach in cooler to cool.
[41-10-4] Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle containing chemical cleaner stored on shelf below dish catch area with clean pots. Can of grill cleaner stored on shelf below prep area next to clean salad spinner. Both items moved and stored correctly.
[29-34-4] Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Missing on faucet at dish area for ice dump. Missing on right faucet where black hose is attached in small prep area.
[53B-13-5] Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Missing for some employees.
[02C-02-5] Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. In reach in cooler at end of cook line (dish side), pasta prepared yesterday not dated. Employee dated pasta.
[41-17-4] Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle containing chemical cleaner stored on shelf below dish catch area with clean pots. Bottle labeled.