The time has come for you to sell your business. You’ve put in the long hours and invested your blood, sweat, and tears into it – now it’s time to reap the rewards. As you start to list your business and receive inquiries from potential buyers, there’s one important question you need to ask yourself: what do I do with my liquor license?

When you’re ready to sell your business, you may be able to sell your liquor license to the new owner. Discover how with Liquor License Professionals – contact us today at (321) 274-7104 or (386) 222-9668, or use our online contact form.

Transferring Your Liquor License

In most cases, you can sell or transfer your liquor license to the new buyer. However, the process can be complicated and time-consuming, so it’s essential to work with an experienced professional who can guide you through the process and its requirements.

Requirements to Transfer or Sell a Liquor License

To transfer or sell liquor licenses, certain requirements must be met:

  • FEE: A transfer fee must be calculated to sell or transfer ownership of your liquor license.
  • APPLICATION:  You must complete and submit an application for transfer of your liquor license to the Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (AB&T).
  • APPROVAL: The Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco must approve the transfer of your license.
  • TRANSFEREE ELIGIBILITY: The person or entity to whom you are selling or transferring the liquor license to must meet the requirements for obtaining a liquor license in the state of Florida. In addition to these requirements, there may be other conditions that must be met Transfer the liquor license to the new owner or a different location.

Not all liquor licenses are transferable. To find out if your license is transferable, contact Liquor License Professionals today at (321) 274-7104 or (386) 222-9668, or use our online contact form. We can help you navigate the process and ensure that all requirements are met.

Transferring a Liquor License: Who Is Eligible?

To transfer a liquor license to the new business owner, they must meet the requirements set forth by the state of Florida. The new business owner will need to pass a background chec and meet the requirements of the Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco. Applicants for the liquor license may be required to submit some or all of the following:

  • Fingerprints – To obtain a liquor license, the new business owner will need to have their fingerprints taken so that the state can conduct a background check.
  • Arrest Disposition – Any arrests on the applicant’s record, even if they did not result in a conviction, must be disclosed.
  • Right of Occupancy – The applicant must have the right to occupy the premises where liquor will be sold. There must be documentation provided such as a lease agreement.
  • Sketch of Premise – A sketch of the premise may be required with the application. The sketch should include all entrances and exits and a floor plan of the premises.
  • Zoning – The premises must be zoned for the sale of liquor, meaning that it is located in an area where liquor sales are allowed.
  • Health or Division of Hotels & Restaurants Approval – The appropriate agency must approve the premises.
  • Secretary of State – If applicable, a Certificate of Status from the Secretary of State must be submitted with the application, meaning that the business is in good standing with the state.
  • DOR Clearance – A clearance from the Department of Revenue may need to be obtained, which shows that all taxes owed to the state have been paid.
  • FEIN and SSN – The federal employer identification number (FEIN) and the applicant’s social security number (SSN) may be required.
  • Contracts – Any contracts related to the liquor license should be submitted, such as a purchase agreement.
  • Partner, Officer, or Stockholder – The application may require a list of all company partners, officers, or stockholders.
  • Acknowledgment of General Laws – The applicant must sign an acknowledgment that they have read and will abide by the state’s general laws.

If the above requirements are met, you can typically sell or transfer your liquor license without any issues. However, it’s important to note that there is no guarantee that your liquor license transfer will be approved because the issuing authority still has the ultimate discretion in approving or denying your application.

Hire an Experienced Broker

Selling or transferring a liquor license can be complicated and time-consuming. Our experienced liquor license brokers can help you navigate the process and increase your chances of success. With decades of experience in the hospitality industry, we’ve built a strong network of potential buyers or transferees, which can save you a lot of time and hassle.

Liquor License Professionals is the leading liquor license provider in Florida, and we can help you get the best possible outcome for your sale. If you’re looking to sell or transfer your liquor license, contact us today at (321) 274-7104 or (386) 222-9668, or use our online contact form. 

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