How Much Does a Florida Liquor License Cost?

If you’re going to accurately plan your business, you’ll need to know how much it costs to get a liquor license in Florida. For a liquor license, Florida assesses varying fees depending on the type of license, the population of the county, and the acquisition method. At Beverage License Specialists, we have over 36 years of experience in helping entrepreneurs navigate these complexities.

The Foundation: Why Florida Alcoholic Beverage License Fees for Issuance Are Priced Differently

Florida’s alcoholic beverage licensing fees are set by the Department of Business & Professional Regulation based upon a variety of items, which account for the difference in license fees

Population

The county population where the license is applied for is the primary determinant. The counties that have over 100,000 residents command the highest license fees, while those under 25,000 are the least expensive.

License type

The type of license also plays a major role in the assessed fees. Licenses for package sales cost less than consumption-on-premises sales, and licenses for beer, beer & wine alone cost less than those for liquor.

Quotas

For businesses planning on selling liquor on premises without food requirements, strict quotas are in place. Only one new liquor license is made available by DBPR through the quota license lottery based upon an increase of 7,500 residents in the county. These licenses can be sold and transferred.

A Closer Look at Florida Liquor License Types and Their Direct Costs

Beer and wine licenses are the most affordable retail beverage licenses that Florida makes available. The fees for a state license for the 2025-2026 license year range from $28 to $392 depending upon the type and the county in which the license is sought.

1APS (Beer Package Sales): $28 to $140 annually
1COP (Beer Consumption On Premises): $56 to $280 annually
2APS (Beer and Wine Package Sales): $84 to $196 annually
2COP (Beer and Wine Consumption On Premises): $168 to $392 annually

Businesses seeking a full liquor license will be looking at much higher fees, with costs ranging from $468 to $1,820 annually at the state level.

Consumption On Premise Licenses (4COP-8COP): $624 to $1,820 annually
Package Sales (3PS-3DPS): $468 to $1,365 annually

There are also a variety of special-purpose licenses that serve specific business models.

SFS restaurant licenses are available for establishments that derive at least 51% of their revenue from food sales. This license allows full liquor sales as an alternative to expensive quota licenses, though the premises must also meet the seating capacity and minimum square footage requirements set by the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Bureau of Licensing.

There are also a number of licenses for clubs and special businesses. Below are some of the most common beer, wine, and liquor consumption options.

Lodges/Club (11C): $400 annually
Private Golf Clubs (11CG): $400 annually
Performance Arts (11PA): $400 annually
American Legion Club (11AL): $500 annually
Special Club (11CS): $1,750 annually
Catering License (13CT): $1,820 annually

Deconstructing the Cost: Direct Fees and Financial Obligations

How much a liquor license in Florida actually costs depends on more than just the annual state fees.

Application fees

Application and entry fees vary by license type. For the quota lottery, a $100 entry fee is required per application. Additional costs include fingerprinting, background checks, and administrative processing fees may vary.

Secondary market acquisition

Is the most expensive option for a quota license. Since new licenses are only available via the liquor license lottery, most quota licenses must be purchased from existing license holders. These transactions can reach six figures or more, depending on the county in question and the market demand.

Municipal and county requirements

May introduce local permits or business tax receipts beyond state fees. These also vary significantly by location.

Annual renewal obligations

The annual renewal fees have to be paid prior to their expiration on or before March 31st, for the southern region and on or before September 30th for the northern region in order to keep a license active and current.

A Strategic Investment for Your Florida Business

Trying to start a business can feel overwhelming enough without the added stress of navigating the liquor licensing process. Beverage License Specialists can help guide you through this complex landscape, identifying the most cost-effective path for your business plan. Contact us today for expert guidance on securing your Florida retail beverage license.

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