Florida law requires businesses to obtain a license before selling alcoholic beverages.
Florida offers several licensing options for businesses that wish to offer beer, wine or liquor for sale. The type of license you need depends on whether alcoholic beverages will be consumed on-site or whether your business will offer package sales. Florida also distinguishes between those establishments offering only beer and wine for consumption versus those restaurants and bars that choose to offer liquor drinks. So, before applying for a liquor or alcoholic beverage license in Florida, it is important to decide what type of beverages you will sell and where they will be consumed.
Instructions
Complete the Application
1. Access the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco's Application for Alcoholic Beverage License and Tobacco Permit via the Internet (see the first link in the Resources section). You may type information directly into the form or print it.
2. Select the appropriate license type based on the business you will be operating. Florida offers several types of licenses depending on the type of beverages sold and the manner in which they are sold, so it is important to closely review the license types available before making a selection.
3. Complete the application by entering information for the Florida registered business that will hold the license. Be sure to complete separate personal information sheets, or Section 4 forms, for each individual who has any ownership interest in the business that is applying for the license.
4. Draw a sketch of the premises that you are seeking to license as indicated in Section 5 of the application. The state requires that drawings include all doors, restrooms, storage rooms, counters and sales areas, so it is important to be familiar with the building prior to completing the application.
5. Obtain the signature of your local zoning office to complete Section 6 of the application. The zoning office will confirm that your proposed location is properly zoned to allow for the sale of alcoholic beverages.
6. Obtain the signature of the Florida Department of Revenue on Section 7 of the application. The Department of Revenue will confirm that your business has registered to collect sales and use tax and that you are current on all taxes.
7. Obtain the signature of the local county health department on Section 8 of the application. You will need to contact the county health department to schedule an inspection. The health department will confirm that your business location complies with the Florida Sanitary Code.
File the Application
8. File the completed application along with supporting documentation via mail or hand-delivery to the local district office of the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. The application must include a lease or deed to your business location and copies of any management contracts, franchise agreements, service agreements or profit-sharing agreements for your company. You also must include fingerprints for all company officers along with copies of arrest dispositions, if applicable, for any person with an ownership interest in the company.
9. Pay the applicable fee for the license you are requesting. Fees may vary by county and type of license. Be sure to include the additional fee if you wish to obtain a temporary license.
10. Respond to any requests for additional information from the state. The FDABT will review your application within seven days of receipt.
11. Begin business operations once you receive your temporary or permanent license.
Tags: Section application, your business, confirm that, confirm that your, health department, Obtain signature