Can You Serve Alcohol with a Catering License in Florida?

Alcohol Licensing in Florida

In Florida, caterers need food safety certifications and a liquor license to serve alcohol. A 13CT alcohol catering license allows licensed food caterers to sell and serve alcoholic beverages at catered events. To get this license, over 51% of gross revenue must come from food and nonalcoholic beverages at each event.

An option is to get a 4COP quota alcohol license to specialize in serving only alcohol at events without needing 51% or more gross revenue from food. Another way is to hire a licensed caterer to serve alcohol to your guests. Getting a liquor license for a catering business involves applying with the Florida Department Of Business and Professional Regulation and meeting revenue standards.

The process can be complicated, which is why working with Liquor License Professionals is recommended. They have the expertise to help obtain the right liquor license at the best price.

Types of Alcohol Licenses in Florida

  • 13CT License: A Florida liquor license allows caterers to sell and serve all types of alcoholic beverages at a catered event where the “licensee is also providing prepared food.”
  • 4COP License: A consumption on premises quota license allows the licenseholder to sell and serve alcoholic beverages at an event.

Liquor License Requirements in Florida

Florida laws require that you be 18 years of age or older to serve alcohol. Applicants who are 16-17 years old can fill positions that do not involve serving or handling alcohol, such as hosts and cooks. All establishments serving alcoholic beverages to the public must possess a state liquor license.

To get a liquor license in Florida, you have to put in an application with the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Bureau of Licensing. They review the applications and check if the total quota of liquor licenses available hasn’t been met.


The text has been formatted as per the requirements using Markdown syntax.

Leave a Comment