Florida Liquor License Lottery: Enter & Win Quota Licenses

How Does Someone Obtain a Liquor License?

Keep in mind that if an establishment only wants to sell wine or beer, the licensing requirements are different, and licenses are easier to acquire. A liquor license is more challenging to get. There are a couple of ways to obtain a liquor license in the state of Florida, but entering the lottery and winning one is the most rewarding. Entrance requires the following steps:

• Meet the requirements

  In order to enter the lottery, you must be a minimum of 21 years of age.. Should you be one of the selected winners, you must then qualify for issuance of the license and fill out a personal questionnaire, be fingerprinted, be of good moral character and have no felonies within the last 15 years or criminal history involving alcoholic beverages or tobacco in the last 5 years.

• Apply during the entrance period

  You can only apply during the open entry period, which is open for 45-days. This time period typically starts the 3^rd Monday in August ends at 5:00 p.m. 45 days later..

• Pay an entry fee

  To enter the lottery, there is an entry fee. The amount is $100 per application, per county.

• Check the mail for a letter announcing the win

  Within five days after the lottery drawing, certified letters are sent to the winners of the quota licenses. The winner’s list is also posted on the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco’s website.

• File a license application

  If you are selected as a winner to apply, you have 45 days to file a liquor license application with the state. You will need to pass a background check and pay the initial activation fee. Once approved, the fee to activate the license is $10,750.In addition, you will be required to pay the annual license fee depending upon the series of the license applied for . The license must be renewed every year thereafter. The license is also only valid in the county in which it is issued

For those who did not come out a winner in the lottery, the other option is to purchase a quota license from another winner or someone who has an existing license and is looking to sell. As mentioned earlier, this is a much more expensive way to obtain a license. However, if you are in need of obtaining a license now in order to open your business, you are able to acquire one right away by purchasing an existing quota license in the marketplace as opposed to waiting for and entering, the lottery every year.

How You Will Be Notified You Won

If you win the drawing, you will receive a letter in the mail that includes: 

• A notice that you have won the right to a liquor license in your specific county
• A list of additional requirements you must meet to actually hold the license, including filing paperwork and paying filing fees
• The next-stage application for getting the license in your individual or entity name

Once you receive this letter, it’s important to start the filing steps immediately. You only have 45 days to complete the application process, or else it will be surrendered to a backup winner. Because the paperwork is complex, it’s best to work with a trained lawyer or organization familiar with liquor license requirements. 

Contact Beverage License Specialists for All Your Questions Regarding Florida Liquor License Lottery

Whether you want to try purchasing a liquor license directly from another business or you want to try securing a new liquor license in your growing county, having experienced support can make a big difference in properly managing the paperwork without delays or complications. The team at Beverage License Specialists is here to help new and growing businesses manage the drawing process or explore potential opportunities to buy and sell different licenses. We also help businesses avoid Florida delinquent alcohol licenses and retain updated paperwork. Reach out to us today to learn more about the different options available and take the next step for your business.