Can a Felon Get a Beer and Wine License in Florida? Understanding Liquor Licensing Laws in Florida

License Eligibility for Convicted Felons

Florida law says convicted felons cannot hold liquor licenses. A restaurant needs at least 2,500 square feet and space for 150 people to get a full liquor license. Felons can own businesses. Fees for licenses depend on the county population and business type. For example, a small restaurant adding beer and wine pays $392 yearly. Anyone selling beer and wine needs a state license. Applications go to the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. A felony conviction does not automatically prevent getting a business or liquor license. However, legal voters and taxpayers are more likely to get licenses. Running an unlicensed bottle club is a misdemeanor. Anyone convicted of a felony within 15 years cannot sell beer and wine. Check license fees by county. Once the application is ready, submit it to the state division. Inspectors will schedule a visit. Opening a liquor store requires various steps.

Obtaining a Beer and Wine License

Every business in Florida that sells beer and wine is required to apply for a license. This is a formal process that requires knowledge of certain rules and regulations. Prepare for the launch of your new bar or restaurant by submitting your licence application well in advance of the anticipated opening date.

Costs and Process for Beer and Wine Licensing

Some records can be removed from history after 7 years. How much does it cost to get a beer and wine license in Florida? For instance, a 4COP license in a county with a population over 100,000 will cost you $1850 for one year. Make sure you understand what you can expect when it comes to fees and when in doubt, contact a liquor license consultant for help.

Once you’ve got all the documents and other information together, you’re ready to submit your application. Submit to the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (DABT) in Florida. The division will go over your application and schedule a time to inspect your bar or restaurant.

Understanding the different types of licenses and their associated costs is essential for a smooth application process. By following the necessary steps and meeting the requirements, businesses can obtain a beer and wine license.

The state of Florida issues three types of licenses:

  • Beer and wine only
  • Special restaurant licenses for use only in full-service restaurants as defined by statute
  • Full liquor licenses

New and prospective restaurant owners hoping to get a license to sell beer and wine anywhere in Florida must first apply from the DABT Office in the county where your business is located.

Florida offers numerous varieties of licenses, catering to establishments and requirements. These licenses range from sales for retail stores to licenses for restaurants, bars, and venues.

Quota Licenses and Differences in Alcohol Effects

A major difference between the two is that wine can get you drunk faster than beer. Any license that allows liquor is a quota license. This type of license is more difficult to get because Florida has a per-county cap on the number available. The state issues one quota license for every 7,500 people in the county.

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