Buy a Liquor License in Leon County, FL

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If you’re thinking of opening a new business or relocating to Leon County Florida and you plan on selling alcohol, this handy guide can help you navigate the Leon County Florida Liquor License process. Even if you’re already in Leon County Florida, but plan on expanding your services, make sure you’re setting yourself up for success before you even start the application process. There are some important things to know that can help the start-up phase run smoothly.

Beginning the License Application Process

Each municipal jurisdiction (cities and counties) within Florida may have their own specific liquor license regulations and requirements which may necessitate additional applications being filed within the municipality having jurisdiction over your intended location. As you begin the application process, you’ll need several forms of documentation to obtain a liquor license. These forms are consistent on the state level, so they will work for each county that you are seeking to operate. Before starting an application, make sure you have the following pieces of documentation:

Full-service bars and restaurants
Packaged beer and wine for off-premises consumption
Consumption on-premises for beer and wine only
Caterers
Culinary education programs
Hotels and motels
Transportation establishments such as railroads, boats, buses, airplanes or other passenger vessels
Event centers and performing arts facilities
Lodges, fraternal order groups, athletic clubs and golf clubs
Specialty and temporary permits

Types of Florida Alcoholic Beverage Licenses

The Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco has a variety of licenses available, depending on the type of business that you or your company wish to engage in. Everything from railroad cars and other transportation systems, to packaged beer and wine, to a full bar at a restaurant, all require a unique license. Here are just a few of the types of licenses available throughout Florida:

1APS

This standard license allows a store to sell beer for an annual fee of $140. It only applies to packaged beer, so you can’t allow on-premise consumption.

2APS

Convenience stores, grocery stores, and other retail stores wishing to sell packaged wine and beer must pay an annual fee of $196. This license is only valid for off-premise consumption.

3BPS

The most comprehensive liquor store license has an annual fee of $975. You will be licensed to sell all types of spirits, wine, and beer for strictly off-premise consumption.

1COP

This license allows for the sale of beer for consumption on-premise at bars or restaurants, as well as off-premise consumption. Customers can drink on-site, but your establishment will not be able to serve wine or spirits, just beer. The annual license fee for this license is $280.

2COP

Including wine and beer to your bar or restaurant will cost a yearly fee of $392. Your customers of age can order and consume both beer and wine for on-premise and off-premise consumption.

4COP

Finally, for a fully stocked bar, your restaurant or bar will pay an annual fee of $1,300. This allows you to serve a complete menu of spirits, mixed drinks, wine, and beer.

These are the most common types of licenses that are available for both on and off-premise consumption for the sale of beer, wine, and spirits in restaurants, bars, and retail beverage and liquor store locations. Florida offers a range of specialty vendor licenses for other locations. Ask a specialist at Beverage License Specialists to verify that your particular location uses one of these licenses and not a specialized alternative.

You will need to determine the type of alcoholic beverage license that is most suited for your business. Even if you currently only serve beer, you may want to consider pursuing a license that allows you to expand the types of alcohol you would like to offer.

Choosing the Right Liquor License

Navigating the vast array of available permits can be daunting. Consulting an advisor at Beverage License Specialists can help you determine the best type of license for your establishment. Even if your business only serves beer and wine on-premises, you may have business expansion ideas for the future that include different types of alcohol sales. Choosing a permit that allows your business to evolve and change may be more appropriate from the get-go rather than re-applying for a different license down the line.

Nightlife establishments that generate 49% or more in total revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages require a Quota License. If a business generates 51% or more of its total revenue through the sale of food and non-alcoholic beverages, they may qualify for a 4COP/SFS license. There is an unlimited number of these types of licenses available while Quota Licenses are only available on a limited basis based on the population of a given county.

Let Us Help You Navigate the Process

No matter what type of license your Leon County Florida business needs, we are here to assist so that you can save time and focus on your business, operations, and advertising. Contact us today.

Our customer-focused, deeply knowledgeable team is available by phone at 954-369-5858