Opening a New Business? Know the Types of Liquor Licenses in Florida

Are you looking to open a bar, restaurant, or a unique establishment that serves alcohol? If you plan to sell alcohol in Florida, it is crucial to understand the different types of liquor licenses available. Our liquor license specialists at Liquor License Professionals can help you pick and score the right one.

Florida offers many options for businesses looking to sell alcohol. The type of license you need will depend on various things, such as your location and the type of business you have. Here is an overview of the different types of liquor licenses in Florida.

Beer, Wine, and Liquor Licenses for Drinking On/Off Premises 

While there are smaller liquor licenses for selling just beer or both beer and wine, certain special establishments qualify for beer, wine, and liquor sales. Whether you’re selling by the drink or in a sealed container, liquor licenses vary between the businesses, which may include:

  • Restaurants or other food service establishments
  • Regular as well as historic motels or hotels
  • Bowling alleys
  • Airports
  • Craft distilleries
  • Excursion or charter boats
  • Mobile food vendors (Gainesville only)

Exact license types and fees vary depending on county population size and the type of business. These same factors influence how you can sell beverages:

  • Both by the drink for consumption on-premises or in a sealed container for consumption off-premises
  • By the drink, on-premises only
  • In a sealed container, off-premises only
  • By the drink for consumption on-premises or in a sealed container meeting certain requirements (Special Food Service Establishment or SFS licenses) for consumption off-premises

Beer, Wine, and Liquor Packaged Sale Licenses for Consumption Off Premises

These licenses allow retail stores to sell liquor in sealed containers for consumption off the premises only. The types of licenses differ based on whether the store will be selling liquor, wine, beer, or some combination of these. Examples of these establishments include:

  • Wine shops
  • Package liquor stores ( liquor, wine, and beer)
  • Convenience stores
  • Grocery stores

If you want to sell all three beverage types as packaged sales off-premises, you must apply for a quota license. What is a quota license? It is a type of liquor license in Florida subject to statutory limitations on the number of liquor licenses issued in a county or municipality. 

The quota for liquor licenses is set by the Florida Legislature and is based on population figures. You must apply for these types of liquor licenses through the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT). Liquor License Professionals also offers application assistance services.

Tips for New Business Owners

Knowing which liquor license is correct for your business is essential to complying with Florida alcohol laws. Here are some general tips:

  • If you plan to sell liquor by the drink, you will need a liquor license from the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (AB&T).
  • There are different liquor licenses available, depending on the type and size of your business and the county in which you operate.
  • The cost of a liquor license in Florida varies depending on the county’s population in which you intend to do business.
  • You must be 21 years of age or older to apply for a liquor license in Florida, including submitting it with the required fees and completing specific qualifications.
  • If you are approved for a liquor license, you must renew it every year.
  • You must comply with all Florida alcohol laws, which hold you responsible for any sale of liquor to minors and intoxicated persons. Failure to comply with these laws can result in the suspension or revocation of your liquor license.

Liquor License Professionals can help you navigate acquiring a liquor license in Florida and ensure that you are in compliance with all state laws. For more information on obtaining a liquor license in Florida, contact Liquor License Professionals today.

Avoid Industry Pitfalls

Liquor License Professionals is a highly experienced team of liquor license brokers in Florida. Whether buying or selling your liquor license, it is essential to be working with the right resource to avoid the pitfalls that one can encounter in business. 

Apart from selling liquor licenses to growing establishments, we have decades of experience in hospitality. You can count on our team to work on your behalf quickly and efficiently while we help you tie up any loose ends regarding applications, documentation, and fees. 

For more information about liquor licenses, please call us at (321) 274-7104 or (386) 222-9668, or use our online contact form. We always make sure to get in touch with our clients as soon as possible. You may also email us at info@liquorlicenseprofessional.com.

Leave a Reply