Running a restaurant in Miami isn’t just about amazing food—it’s about keeping your kitchen safe, clean, and up to code. While many owners focus on customer service and menu planning, one of the most overlooked risks is poor kitchen hood cleaning. And in Miami, that oversight can cost you your business.
Restaurants that fail to keep up with kitchen exhaust hood cleaning often face health code violations, fire hazards, and even forced shutdowns. In this blog, we’ll explore how these shutdowns happen, what local regulations say, and how to protect your business from becoming the next headline.
Florida Fire & Health Codes Demand Regular Kitchen Hood Cleaning
Miami restaurants are required by law to maintain a clean kitchen exhaust system. The Florida Fire Prevention Code (based on NFPA 96) requires all commercial kitchens to schedule commercial kitchen hood cleaning at intervals depending on the volume of cooking.
According to the Miami-Dade Fire Department and state code:
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High-volume kitchens must clean their hoods monthly.
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Moderate-use kitchens must clean quarterly.
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Low-volume kitchens must clean at least every 6 months.
Failure to comply may result in fines, code violations, and even closure notices.
Real Closures in Miami Due to Poor Hood Maintenance
Example 1: Little Havana Grill (Closed in 2023)
In 2023, a local grill in Little Havana was forced to close after a surprise inspection revealed layers of grease buildup in their exhaust duct system. The inspector cited violation of NFPA 96, and the restaurant was shut down on the spot due to fire risk. The owners admitted they hadn’t scheduled kitchen hood cleaning in over 9 months.
Example 2: Miami Beach Café Fined and Warned
A popular café in Miami Beach faced a $5,000 fine and public citation after multiple complaints of smoke and odor leaking into the dining area. Upon inspection, officials noted blocked exhaust ducts and a malfunctioning hood fan. They had skipped exhaust hood cleaning for nearly a year.
Lesson Learned: It doesn’t matter how upscale your restaurant is—if you ignore grease hood cleaning, Miami officials won’t hesitate to close your doors.
The Role of Grease in Restaurant Fires
Grease is one of the most flammable substances in a kitchen. When it builds up inside hoods, ducts, and filters, even a small spark from your stove can ignite a fast-moving fire.
🔥 According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 22% of all restaurant fires start in the kitchen exhaust system. In a humid and high-temperature environment like Miami, this risk only increases.
Routine kitchen hood cleaning service drastically reduces this risk by removing grease before it becomes fuel for a fire.
What Happens During a Kitchen Hood Inspection in Miami?
Health inspectors and fire marshals in Miami conduct surprise checks, especially in areas like Wynwood, Brickell, and Coral Gables.
They look for:
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Visible grease on the hood or filters
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Buildup inside exhaust fans or ducts
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Non-functioning exhaust fans
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Missing cleaning certifications or outdated service logs
If your system shows signs of neglect, you may be issued:
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A violation warning
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A fine (starting at $1,000)
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A temporary shutdown order until proper kitchen exhaust hood cleaning is completed
How Often Should Miami Restaurants Schedule Hood Cleaning?
Given Miami’s humidity, high heat, and coastal environment, kitchens here should clean more frequently than the national minimum.
Recommended schedule for kitchen hood cleaning in Miami, FL:
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🍔 Monthly – Fast food, BBQ, high-traffic restaurants
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🍽️ Quarterly – Full-service restaurants
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🏫 Bi-Annually – Low-use kitchens (schools, small cafés)
Can’t remember your last commercial kitchen hood cleaning? That’s a red flag.
How to Choose the Right Kitchen Hood Cleaning Company in Miami
Not all companies provide full, compliant service. Here’s what to look for:
✔️ NFPA 96 Compliance – Ask if they follow the national fire safety standards
✔️ Before/After Photos – Trustworthy companies document their work
✔️ Miami-Dade Certified – Local knowledge is critical for regulation compliance
✔️ Detailed Reports & Certifications – For inspectors and insurance purposes
Superior Hood and Duct offers certified kitchen hood cleaning service across Miami with transparent pricing, fast turnaround, and 24/7 availability for emergency inspections.
What’s Included in a Professional Kitchen Hood Cleaning Service?
When you hire us for kitchen hood cleaning in Miami, FL, you get:
✅ Complete grease removal from hoods, filters, and ducts
✅ Kitchen exhaust hood cleaning for improved airflow
✅ Fire suppression system protection
✅ Corrosion protection for salt-air-exposed restaurants
✅ Cleaning certification for health inspections
We service restaurants in Miami, Little Havana, Wynwood, Coral Gables, Miami Beach, and nearby areas.
Don’t Let a Dirty Hood Close Down Your Business
Imagine losing your hard-earned reputation because of a preventable fire—or failing a health inspection for something as basic as exhaust hood cleaning. Don’t risk your business.
📞 Contact Superior Hood and Duct for reliable, certified kitchen hood cleaning service in Miami today.
📍 We serve all areas of Miami including Coral Gables, Miami Beach, Little Haiti, Brickell, and more.
👉 Visit our homepage or call (561) 927-7045 to schedule your service.