Florida SFS Application Guide

Florida’s Special Food Service (SFS) license, formerly known as the SRX license, allows qualifying restaurants to sell beer, wine, and distilled spirits for consumption on the premises without obtaining a standard quota liquor license.

Because the SFS license is specifically intended for qualifying food-service establishments, restaurants must meet certain operational requirements to obtain and maintain the license.

Who Qualifies for a Florida SFS License?

To qualify for an SFS license, a restaurant must meet requirements related to the size and operation of the establishment.

Key requirements include:

Square Footage: At least 2,000 square feet of contiguous floor space under the permanent control of the licensee
Seating: At least 120 physical seats available for patrons
Food & Beverage Revenue: At least 51% of gross food and beverage revenue must come from the sale of food and non-alcoholic beverages

These requirements distinguish the SFS classification from quota licenses and other Florida alcoholic beverage licenses.

Applying for an SFS Liquor License

Restaurants seeking an SFS license generally begin the alcoholic beverage licensing process using Form DBPR ABT-6001.

Depending on the establishment and application, supporting information may include:

Business and ownership information
A sketch of the licensed premises
Lease or other documentation showing the right to occupy the property
Required fingerprints or background information
Applicable zoning or local approvals
Food-service licensing documentation

The application and premises must demonstrate that the restaurant meets the requirements of the SFS classification.

Finance License

SFS Compliance After Licensing

Qualifying for an SFS license is not limited to the initial application. Restaurants must continue operating in accordance with the requirements associated with the license.

This includes maintaining the applicable seating and premises requirements as well as the required percentage of food and non-alcoholic beverage revenue. Establishments should maintain appropriate business records and be prepared for applicable compliance reviews or inspections.

Get Help With Your Florida SFS Application

Determining eligibility before applying can help restaurant owners understand whether an SFS license is appropriate for their establishment and what documentation will be needed.

Beverage License Specialists assists Florida restaurants with SFS eligibility, application preparation, required documentation, and the alcoholic beverage licensing process.

Contact Beverage License Specialists for assistance with your Florida SFS liquor license application.

Florida SFS Application Guide

Who Qualifies for a Florida SFS License?

Applying for an SFS Liquor License

SFS Compliance After Licensing

Get Help With Your Florida SFS Application

If you are seeking to buy, sell or finance a Florida liquor license, contact Beverage License Specialists today