Businesses that sell liquor in Florida are controlled by a strict licensing program.
Selling liquor has always been a profitable business venture. Governments control the establishments that are allowed to sell liquor by issuing, and in some cases suspending or revoking, special licenses that grant an establishment permission to sell alcohol. In the state of Florida, these licenses fall under the jurisdiction of the state’s Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Council, which is a division of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. This department sets forth the rules that one must follow in order to receive and maintain a liquor license in Florida.
Number of Licenses
Establishments that limit their products to beer and wine enjoy the easiest process for obtaining a Florida liquor license. The state does not limit the number of businesses that are allowed to sell beer and wine. The greater restriction is placed on those who wish to sell hard liquor as well. The numbers of businesses that are allowed to sell hard liquor are strictly controlled by the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. These licenses are referred to as Quota licenses, and the demand for this type of license dwarfs the number of licenses available. Because of this, new licenses are awarded in an annual lottery, with the licenses being distributed across the counties in the state. The number of licenses issued in the lottery changes from year to year, and is based on the amount of population increase.
Restaurant Licenses
Restaurants can obtain special liquor licenses for the consumption of alcoholic beverages, as opposed to selling the liquor as a carryout item. Restaurants may obtain one of these special alcoholic beverage licenses (SRX) as long as certain rules are followed. The liquor must only be sold for consumption on the premises. Also, alcohol can not constitute the majority of the business done in the establishment. A minimum of 51 percent of revenues must come from the sale of food and non-alcoholic beverages. This rule is in place to prevent bars from being able to obtain a SRX license just by offering minor food items.
Liquor License Costs
Liquor licenses must be renewed annually. The cost of a Florida liquor license varies, according to a couple of distinct factors. The amount will vary from $28 to $1,820 per year, as of July 2010, depending on what county your establishment is located in and what type of license you hold.
In the case of a Quota license for the sale of hard liquor, there is, as of July 2010, a one-time fee of $10,750 that is paid at the time the license is issued. The proceeds of these fees are used to fund alcohol treatment and prevention programs within the state. If the license is being purchased from an existing establishment, then a license transfer fee of up to $5,000 must be paid, again, with the funds going toward treatment and prevention programs.
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