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Types of Liquor Licenses in Florida: 4COP vs 2COP
Updated: June 23rd, 2025
If you’re planning to open a bar or restaurant in Florida, understanding the types of liquor licenses available is essential. In most Florida Counties, a Consumption On Premise liquor license is known as a 4COP. A 2COP is a Consumption on Premises license that only permits the purchase and sale of beer and wine. If you want your Florida venue to operate as a bar or restaurant that serves liquor such as beer, wine, spirits, or cocktails, then you will need to choose the 4COP. Understanding the difference between a 4COP license and a 2COP license can shape the nature of your venue and what can be included on the menu.
Overview of 4COP and 2COP Licenses
4COP vs 2COP licenses are quite different when compared. A 4COP license is known as a “full liquor license” in which you can serve any type of alcohol in glasses or bottles, and the license is transferrable. A 2COP license is known as a “beer and wine” license, which only allows the consumption on premise or off premise consumption of Beer & Wine. It may in some circumstances be easier to acquire.
4COP quota licenses can be difficult to obtain and often must be purchased from a venue or licensee that already has one and no longer needs it. 2COP licenses are extremely common, and they are typically considered the most practical and affordable way to serve Beer & Wine in a bar or restaurant.
Image Credit: Tero Vesalainen / Shutterstock
Key Features of the 4COP quota License
- Allows service of all alcoholic beverages
- Can be won in the Liquor License Lottery
- Can be transferred and sold to a new owner
A 4COP quota is a full liquor license for “consumption on premises” venues like bars, restaurants, and event spaces. A limited number of 4COP licenses are issued by lottery every year, and only a few per county are issued. However, they are completely transferrable and moveable. An existing owner of a 4COP license can sell or transfer their ownership to a new operator. This transferred license can be applied to most venues. Subject however to local zoning regulations.
Often, new venues will simply choose to purchase a 4COP quota, as it is certainly more reliable than hoping to get chosen through the licensing lottery. The price for a 4COP quota license can be anywhere between $70,000 and $1,000,000 or more, depending on the county and city in which you want to operate.
4COP SFS
- Strict premises requirements
- Must serve more food than alcohol
There is another version of the 4COP liquor license in Florida known as the 4COP SFS or “special food service license”. The 4COP SFS has often been called the “liquor license associated with the sale of food” because it has very specific requirements.
4COP SFS licenses are not purchased in the marketplace making them more affordable and easier to obtain through qualifications, but the qualifications are strict. In most Florida Counties, you must serve more food than alcohol, your venue must have a minimum of 2,000 s/f as well as to accommodate and have a minimum of 120 seats for patrons (depending on the location). There may also be other venue requirements depending upon the county of issuance.
Key Features of the 2COP License
- Serve only beer and wine
- Glasses or sealed bottles
- Affordable cost
The 2COP license is often known as the “beer and wine” license in Florida. They are for the most part easier to obtain than either type of 4COP and are the most common type of alcoholic beverage license for small restaurants, bars, pubs, and other venues that want to serve beer & wine.
In most counties, you can acquire a 2COP liquor license for an annual fee of $392.00 and $196.00 for half a year.
Need help learning which license you need? Contact us at Beverage License Specialists today!