LIQUOR LICENSE FOR LIQUOR STORES IN FLORIDA

Owning a liquor store in Florida can be a challenging endeavor. Not only do owners have to focus on the business aspect, but it is also imperative that they obtain and carry the correct license to sell alcohol, or else they may face fines and even closure.

Liquor licensing requirements in Florida can be confusing, and it is a complicated process, so it helps to have someone walk you through the process, so you get it right the first time.

Our experts at Beverage License Specialists understand the rules and licensing requirements established by the state – we are experts in this area.
When you are ready to open up a liquor store, contact us for assistance in obtaining your liquor license.

QUOTA LICENSE DETAILS

There are different series of quota licenses, depending on different factors. For example, depending upon the population in the county, the 8COP / 7COP / 6COP / 5COP / 4COP Quota Liquor Licenses are for nightclubs, bars, and other establishments that sell spirits, beer, and wine for consumption on-premises. However, this series of licenses can also be used in connection with a retail package liquor store as they also permit the sale of packaged goods for off-premise consumption. There are eclectic package store retailers that choose to incorporate the consumption on premise series of license to allow for a tasting room where patrons can purchase by the glass, beer, wines & liquors to sample.

For traditional retail package liquor stores that incorporate off-premise consumption only, the series of quota licenses, based upon the county’s population, are 3DPS / 3CPS / 3BPS / 3APS / 3PS. Again, this series of quota license allows only the package sale in sealed containers, of liquor, beer, and wine

The reason it is called a quota license is that the available number of licenses are limited. They are based on each county’s population, and new licenses may only come available if the population increases a current business goes out of business or a business with an existing liquor license wants to sell it. There is a yearly lottery that applicants apply to obtain available licenses. Quota licenses also differ from other licenses in that they do not have requirements for the sale of food as well as other conditions.

Licenses are issued by the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. The annual license fee for a quota license varies based on the county population and can range from $468 to $1,820. Depending upon the county and the supply and demand that exists, quota licenses can go for tens of thousands up to hundreds of thousands of dollars

What Determines the Kind of License I Need?

One major determinant of the kind of license you need is the type of business. Most establishments run on a retail beverage license. This license permits your Florida liquor store to sell all types of alcohol on a retail basis.

Note that the retail beverage license has many subcategories. For instance, you need a wine-only license if your store intends to sell wine. Likewise, a beer-only license will suffice if you focus solely on beer.

Besides the retail beverage license, there are other licenses available. The most common of these licenses include:

Bottle club license. The bottle club license is for entities that operate as bottle clubs. The permit allows these establishments to let patrons bring their alcohol into your club.
Distributor’s license. This license allows businesses to transport and distribute alcohol. It is ideal for importers and wholesale distributors of beer, wine, and liquor.
Manufacturer’s license. The permit grants the rights to produce beer, wine, or liquor.
Event license. An event license permits event organizers to offer alcohol. This license is ideal for event planners, mobile bars, and catering companies.
Off-premises storage permit. This license allows you to store alcohol away from your premises. You can take this license if you run a supermarket or a convenience store.

Florida Quota Lottery

Each year, the Division of Alcohol, Beverages, and Tobacco runs the Florida Quota Lottery for alcohol licenses. During this window, aspiring business owners submit their applications and hope to secure a license.

The lottery period often runs from the end of August to around September 28. Florida issues the quota licenses through a lottery process since they are limited. For instance, in 2022, the Division of Alcohol, Beverages, and Tobacco issued just 35 licenses.

Florida Liquor License Application Process

Applying for an alcoholic beverage license in Florida is not so easy. There are many things needed to make you legible.

Some requirements your Florida liquor store has to fulfill before making an application include:

Zoning approval. Municipalities have strict business zoning regulations. Thus, before considering applying for an alcoholic beverage license, you must get zoning approval.
Department of Revenue approval is another critical thing you will need. This approval confirms that your establishment will comply with taxation and revenue regulations.
Health approval. Florida liquor stores can only get an alcohol beverage license with health approval. Local health departments approve establishments that adhere to strict sanitation standards.
Right of occupancy. A right of occupancy is another crucial requirement when applying for an alcohol license in Florida. This permit shows that your liquor store can occupy and run a business on a specific premise.
Registration with the Division of Corporations. Before applying for an alcohol business license, you’ll need to register with the Division of Corporations. The registration proves that your Florida liquor store will operate as a legitimate and recognized entity.
Completed application form. With all the approvals and requirements ready, you must fill out an application form. The form collects basic information about your establishment.

Navigating the intricacies of an alcohol license application in Florida can be frustrating. The unfamiliarity with the process can lead to missteps that could result in delays or even application rejection. However, there’s no need to pass through these frustrations.

Beverage Licensing Specialists has been helping Liquor stores in Florida for over 30 years. We have an in-depth understanding of the alcohol licensing process and can assist you from start to end so you get licensed easily.

CONTACT THE FLORIDA LIQUOR LICENSE EXPERTS

Whether you want to open a liquor store in Miami, Tallahassee, Orlando, Jacksonville, or Tampa Bay, you need to understand the state, county, and local requirements. Along with obtaining licenses for inspections, certificates of use, and city business taxes, you must ensure you have the right liquor license for your operation.

As you can see, licensing requirements are somewhat complicated and confusing, so it is a good idea to hire someone who has experience in the area and will make sure you get what you need.

Beverage License Specialists have been helping Florida businesses & individuals obtain liquor licenses for over 30 years.

Our expertise can guide you through all the regulatory requirements and rules so you can focus on making your business a success. Contact us and see how we can help you obtain a liquor license for your retail store.

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