HOW TO GET A CATERING LIQUOR LICENSE IN FLORIDA [in 2023]

Updated March 23, 2023

When you make your living catering to big events, it can be almost impossible to book events if you can’t serve alcohol. For most people, alcohol is woven into the fabric of social gatherings, and it’s not really a party if there’s nothing to use in a toast.

In order to offer alcoholic beverages as part of your services, you need to be properly licensed. Here’s how to get a caterers liquor license in Florida in five steps.

1. Determine the Appropriate License Type

There are many different liquor licenses issued by the state, and each one is different. It’s essential that you get the right one or you may not be able to serve the particular beverages your client wants. Caterers typically need a 13CT permit. This allows you to serve and sell liquor as long as you are also responsible for preparing and serving food at the same event. To obtain and maintain the 13CT permit, you must meet a few preliminary requirements:

51% or greater of your gross revenue from the event must be derived from the sale of food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Must be licensed by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants
Alcoholic Beverages must be obtained from a licensed retail vendor.

Also note that this permit doesn’t allow you to store alcoholic beverages, only serve.

2. Gather The Necessary Documents

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation requires several pieces of information to be included in the application form as well as a number of documents in addition to the application form. Make sure you gather and include the following and have them ready for submission:

Mitigation of moral character, if applicable
Hotels and Restaurants approval
Department of Revenue clearance
Certificate of Status/Secretary of State, if applicable
Social Security Number
Right of Occupancy
Arrest disposition, if applicable
Federal Employer’s Identification Number
Fingerprint receipt

3. Complete the Liquor License Application

To obtain your permit, you’ll need to complete form DBPR ABT-6011. Once you’ve filled out the document, you’ll have to submit it one of three ways:

Delivering it by hand to the office
Mailing it to the office

Unfortunately, there’s no option to submit online at this time. You’ll have to print the form.

4. Make Payment

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation charges a fee to issue permits. You do have a few choices on how much to pay.

If you want a temporary license, the fee is $455.00. The permanent license fee is $1820.

5. Seek Assistance

Licensing can get complicated, especially if you’re applying for the first time. Beverage License Specialists can walk you through the process and help you obtain the necessary documentation to legally serve alcoholic beverages. To learn more or to enlist our services, give us a call at 800-523-7651 or contact us here.

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

REVIEWS

“I called for advice on a Liquor License compliance issue for an event…..They immediately answered my questions over the phone and gave me the information I needed. It’s refreshing to find a company who actually cares about helping people and not just about the dollar. I highly recommend using Beverage License Specialist for any needs related.” – Michael O.

“Working with the Beverage License Specialist team was one of the best business decision I ever made! After owning my retail wine shop for 10 years, I was ready to retire but apprehensive about the daunting task of selling it. Within days of contacting them, they represented my business to prospective buyers and brought me 3 great offers. They walked me through the maze of negotiations, licensing, compliance, lease assignment, etc. Anyone thinking of buying or selling a liquor license should definitely contact Beverage License Specialists.” – Eli R.