Florida Liquor and Alcoholic Beverage Licensing

Matters we handle

• Choosing the right license type for the business
• New license applications to the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco
• Special restaurant (SFS) licenses
• Buying, selling, and transferring quota liquor licenses
• License issues in the purchase or sale of a business
• Local zoning and distance requirements
• Administrative complaints and compliance reviews

Florida law at a glance

• Alcoholic beverage licenses are issued by the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, part of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
• License types include beer and wine licenses for consumption on the premises or package sales, and full liquor licenses.
• The number of quota liquor licenses, such as the 4COP, in each county is limited by population. When population growth creates new quota licenses, they are awarded through a public drawing. Existing quota licenses can be bought and transferred with the Division’s approval.
• A restaurant that meets size, seating, and food-sales requirements may qualify for a special restaurant license outside the quota system.
• Cities and counties set their own zoning rules for where alcohol may be sold, including distance requirements from schools and churches in many places.

General information about Florida law, not legal advice about your situation. Deadlines and requirements depend on the facts and the documents involved.