How To Get A Liquor License In Florida: 5 Key Criteria You Need To Meet

How To Get A Liquor License In Florida: 5 Key Criteria You Need To Meet

There is nothing easy about opening a restaurant, bar, or club in Florida. You need to meet various requirements before you can be issued the right permits to start operating your business.

One of the particular types of permits you need to work on getting if you intend on serving alcohol in your establishment is a liquor license. With this license, you will be allowed to sell and serve alcohol which can help entice customers to try your new establishment. This, of course, can mean more sales and profits.

If you want to know how to get a liquor license in Florida, you have two options: You can apply directly to the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco – Bureau of Licensing, or work with a consulting company to help you with the whole process of acquiring the permit.

Whether you choose to apply on your own or get help, you need to meet certain important criteria first. These include:

1. A duly registered business in Florida. You need to have your business registered first in Florida before applying for a liquor license since the Employer’s Identification Number is a requirement. Whether you are opening a bar, pub, club, or restaurant, register your business first before beginning your application.
2. Valid social security number. Aside from a business permit or registration, you also need to have a social security number. If there is more than one applicant (such as a partnership) applying for the license, the social security numbers of each individualmust be placed on the application form.
3. Complete fingerprint marks. Aside from the social security number, you and the other applicants, if there are any, need to have your fingerprints appear on the license application form as well. The fingerprints are required and kept as identity marks for future needs or references.
4. Zoning approval.In Florida and nearly all states, there are particular zones that do not allow businesses to sell or serve alcohol. If your establishment is located in such an area, getting a license may become extremely difficult. In case you’re still in the process of choosing a location for your business, choose an area where liquor licenses are permitted.
5. No criminal background. Finally, if an applicant has previous charges of conviction or is found guilty of any kind of offense under Florida’s beverage laws, a liquor license may not be issued to the business with which the person is associated.

To avoid a lot of hassles and costly mistakes, make sure you meet the initial requirements or criteria for applying for a liquor license in Florida first.