Central Florida Area Liquor License

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If you’re thinking of opening a new business or relocating to Central Florida and you plan on selling alcohol, this handy guide can help you navigate the Central Florida Liquor License process. Even if you’re already in Central Florida, but plan on expanding your services, make sure you’re setting yourself up for success before you even start the application process. There are some important things to know that can help the start-up phase run smoothly.

Beginning the License Application Process in Central Florida

Central Florida is a hub for many tourist attractions, so expect many out-of-state travelers as customers. In fact, Central Florida is the largest tourist area in the United States and includes major attractions such as Disney World, LEGOLAND, Daytona Speedway, Cape Canaveral, Sea World, and Universal Orlando Resort. Central Florida generally encompasses these counties:

Orange County: Includes the cities of Orlando, Winter Park and Ocoee
Osceola County: Cities include Kissimmee and St. Cloud
Polk County: Lakeland and Winter Haven are located here
Lake County: Leesburg, Mt. Dora and Clermont are major cities
Volusia County: Daytona Beach is the dominant municipality
Brevard County: Melbourne and Cocoa Beach are major coastal cities

Different Requirements for Each Jurisdiction

Each municipal jurisdiction (cities and counties) within Florida may have its own specific liquor license regulations and requirements, which may necessitate additional applications being filed within the municipality having jurisdiction over your intended location. As you begin the application process, you’ll need several forms of documentation to obtain a liquor license. These forms are consistent at the state level, so they will work for each county that you are seeking to operate. Before starting an application, make sure you have the following pieces of documentation:

Municipal zoning approval
Fingerprinting
Personal information for all principals including Social Security number, phone numbers, and addresses
Any criminal records
Right of Occupancy
Contracts for management
Sketch of floor plan for the establishment
Sales and Use tax registration from the Florida Department of Revenue
Document registration number from the state of Florida
Federal employer’s identification number

When this documentation has been gathered and the application has been filled out, our team at Beverage License Specialists is standing by and ready to help. Let us know if you have questions before submitting your application.

Different Types of Florida Alcoholic Beverage Licenses

There are a wide variety of available licenses and permits for alcoholic beverages available through the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. These licenses vary depending on what type of business you run. Some examples of the variety of businesses that can sell alcoholic beverages include the following types of operations:

Full-service bars and restaurants
Packaged beer and wine for off-premises consumption
Consumption on-premises for beer and wine only
Caterers
Culinary education programs
Hotels and motels
Transportation establishments such as railroads, boats, buses, airplanes, or other passenger vessels
Event centers and performing arts facilities
Lodges, fraternal order groups, athletic clubs, and golf clubs
Specialty and temporary permits

Choosing the Right Liquor License

Navigating the vast array of available permits can be daunting. Consulting an advisor at Beverage License Specialists can help you determine the best type of license for your establishment. Even if your business only serves beer and wine on-premises, you may have business expansion ideas for the future that include different types of alcohol sales. Choosing a permit that allows your business to evolve and change may be more appropriate from the get-go rather than re-applying for a different license down the line.

Nightlife establishments that generate 49% or more in total revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages require a Quota License. If a business generates 51% or more of its total revenue through the sale of food and non-alcoholic beverages, it may qualify for a 4COP/SFS license. There is an unlimited number of these types of licenses available, while Quota Licenses are only available on a limited basis based on the population of a given county.

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New Florida Liquor License Application Process

Complete Application

First, you need to fill out an application.

District Office Review

Once you’ve completed the extensive list of application materials required for the first step, you’ll need to wait for the district office to review your application.

On-site Inspection

Once your alcoholic beverage license initial materials are accepted, processed, and license issued, an on-site inspection may be required to ensure your location is in compliance with the State requirements.

Get a Team to Support the Process

It’s important to have a professional team like Beverage License Specialists engaged to facilitate and monitor the licensing process for you. Click here to view the services we offer.

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Let Us Help You Navigate the Process

No matter what type of license your Central Florida business needs, we are here to assist so that you can save time and focus on your business, operations, and advertising. Contact us today.

Are you still early in the process? Click here to view our blog, which answers a lot of common questions!

Our customer-focused, deeply knowledgeable team is available by phone at 954-369-5858

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