Uncorking Your Success: A Guide to Obtaining Beer and Wine Licenses in Florida
By Chrissy Jaros | August 08, 2024
Congratulations on opening your business! Whether you’re a sophisticated wine bar or a friendly nail salon offering a touch of class with wine cocktails, navigating Florida’s alcoholic beverage licensing can feel overwhelming. Fear not, this guide will walk you through the steps to ensure a smooth journey.
Step 1: Secure your Resale Tax License
Before diving into alcoholic beverages, you’ll need a Resale Tax License from the Florida Department of Revenue. This allows you to collect, report, and remit sales tax on your products – a crucial step for the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to approve your application for a wine and beer license. You can register online at Open My Florida Business or download Form DR-1 by searching for it here: https://floridarevenue.com/taxes/taxesfees/Pages/annual_resale_certificate_sut.aspx.
Step 2: Select Your Wine/Beer License Type
Florida offers different licenses catering to your specific business model. Below is a breakdown of some common options. It is also good to note that most small businesses obtain a 2CP.
- 1APS: Sell packaged beer only (no on-site consumption). Ideal for convenience stores.
- 2APS: Sell packaged beer and wine (no on-site consumption). Perfect for grocery stores and retail outlets.
- 3PS: Sell packaged spirits, wine, and beer (no on-site consumption). Great for liquor stores.
- 1COP: Sell beer for both on-site and off-premises consumption. Perfect for breweries with a tasting room.
- 2COP: Sell beer and wine for both on-site and off-premises consumption. Ideal for restaurants and bars with a limited menu.
- 4COP: The holy grail – allows you to serve a full bar with spirits, mixed drinks, wine, and beer (both on-site and off-premises). Note – this is the most challenging license to obtain, and sometimes the most costly. There are only so many available in the state, and therefore are often resold from user to user, or are granted via a lottery.
Licenses and Mobile Beer Trucks: A Special Case
There’s currently no specific license for mobile beer trucks. However, here’s a potential approach:
- Obtain a 2COP license and a mobile vending license.
- Ensure you have a bartending certification.
- Only operate on private property with the owner’s permission.
- Be aware of local open container laws.
Important Notes: Approval for a 2COP with a mobile operation is uncertain. Consider contacting your local Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) office in person for guidance. Ultimately, you need to have a business brick and mortar for this. Also, if you are looking to sell your own micro brew via a mobile truck, you will need a license to manufacture and sell beer – something completely different than what is covered here. This becomes much more complex. If you haven’t already started your brew label, I suggest utilizing brands that are already on the market, developing your craft and customers, and then explore an extension into your own label.
Step 3: Collect and Assemble Your Required Documents
Be prepared to submit the following documents along with your application:
- Personal identification for all applicants.
- Sunbiz Business Registration (LLC or Corporation).
- Employer Identification Number (EIN).
- Resale (Tax) License (obtained in Step 1).
- Lease agreement for your business location.
- Any relevant certifications (ex: bartending).
Step 4: Pay Appropriate Fees AND Get Inspected
The DBPR website lists the application fees based on your chosen license type and county. Be prepared for a background check and an inspection of your business premises by DBPR authorities.
Step 5: Add Value by Obtaining any Additional Permits and Certifications
Securing additional education with regards to beer, wine and the serving of drinks is always a plus value, Whether Bartending Certification, Micro-Brewery classes or vineyard experience, your customers will benefit more from your elevated credentials. You will also find your customer relies upon your knowledge for exploring wine or ale types, flavor notes, pairings and more. This translates into a higher price per glass, and more money in your bank.
Other permits:
- Mobile vendor permit: Check the DBPR website to see if you require one.
- Event permits: Specific events may require additional permits. Check with the event organizer for details.
All licenses (except the mobile beer truck option) require a brick-and-mortar location with zoning approval. This guide provides a general overview but you should always consult the DBPR website for the latest regulations and fees at: https://www.myfloridalicense.com/datamart/mainMenuFLDBPR.do.
With these steps and a little planning, you’ll be well on your way to raising a toast to your successful business venture, cheers!
Christine Jaros
Consultants, Jaros, TampaFlorida SBDC at USF, Tampa
Specialties: Manufacturing, Retail, Startup, Digital Marketing
Christine Jaros provides business consulting in the areas of startup, business plan development, marketing and sales, e-commerce, finance, wholesaling and retailing, and business management. Before joining the Florida SBDC at USF, Jaros owned her own apparel wholesale sales and consulting business in New York City for 14 years. She has more than 35 years of experience as a professional businesswoman. Jaros built a global-focused career specializing in manufacturing, marketing and sales with organizations including Bidermann Industries, Liz Claiborne Inc, and Hartmarx Corp. Working with iconic brands such as Yves Saint Laurent, Liz Claiborne, Calvin Klein, Polo-Ralph Lauren and Austin Reed, Jaros grew her portfolio of skills to include international sourcing and distribution.