Getting A Liquor License In Florida: Tips From The Pros
In Florida, getting a liquor license is required if you want to establish a business that involves storing or selling alcoholic beverages. Also, wine and spirits salesmen must be licensed.
A liquor license, Florida experts say, is also required for any person or organization to engage in business as:
- Manufacturers, blenders or rectifiers of spirits
- Manufacturers or brewers of malt beverages
- Manufactures of wine
- Importers/exporters, distributors or vendors of alcoholic beverages
- Wine and spirits sales agents or brokers
- Commercial bottle clubs
Alcohol Brand/Label Registration
Before offering alcoholic beverages for sale in Florida, brand registration must be performed. The brand or label must be first registered with the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. You need to submit a legible copy of every label or brand being registered.
For spirits, you must be the manufacturer or the authorized exclusive agent. Also, brands registered must be in containers not exceeding 1.75 liters and 153 proof.
For wines, you must be the manufacturer or the authorized exclusive agent. Brands registered must be in containers not exceeding 1 gallon, unless this is a reusable container that can hold 5.16 gallons. But if the sale is to another manufacturer or distributor, containers of any size are acceptable.
For malt beverages, you must be registered to do business in Florida. Brands must bear the word “FL” or “Florida” unless you are granted an exemption. Brands registered must be in containers not exceeding 32 ounces or in barrels, in kegs or in a container that holds 1 gallon or more.
Different Types of Retail Beverage Licenses
Beer Package Sales (1APS)– This license permits the sale of beer for off premises consumption.
Beer Consumption on Premises (1COP) – This license is for facilities wanting to sell beer for on premises consumption. If permitted by local ordinances, package sales are allowed in sealed containers. Boats are not qualified for this license category.
Beer and Wine Package Sales (2APS) – This license is for facilities wanting to sell both wine and beer for off premises consumption.
Beer and Wine Consumption on Premises (2COP) – This allows the sale of both wine and beer for on premises consumption.
Beer, Wine and Liquor Package Sales (3APS, 3BPS, 3CPS, 3DPS, 3PS) – This authorizes the sale of wine, beer, and liquor for package sale only. It does not allow consumption on premise.
Beer, Wine and Liquor Consumption on Premises (4COP, 5COP, 6COP, 7COP, 8COP) – This license category will include quota licenses and some specialty licenses like Restaurants, Bowling Alleys, Pleasure Ships, Hospitals, County Commissions, Hotels/Motels, and Airport Lounges not owned by airlines.
Caterer License for Beer, Wine and Liquor Consumption on Premises (13CT)–This license permits caterers authorized by Hotels and Restaurants that derive a minimum of 51% of its gross revenue from the service of non-alcoholic beverages and food to serve or sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises of catered events. However, this does not allow the storage of alcoholic beverages.
For all kinds of liquor licenses in Florida, you also need to acquire an alcohol bond, which is a surety bond that will guarantee your compliance with state legislations when it comes to selling or serving liquor.