Catering Liquor Licenses in Florida

Florida catering businesses that want to sell and serve alcoholic beverages at catered events may need a 13CT catering license. This license is specifically designed for qualifying caterers that provide prepared food along with alcoholic beverage service at events.

Beverage License Specialists helps Florida caterers understand the requirements of the 13CT license and navigate the application process.

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What Is a 13CT Catering License?

The 13CT license allows a qualifying caterer to sell and serve beer, wine, and distilled spirits at catered events where the licensee is also providing prepared food.

Unlike a liquor license associated with a traditional bar or restaurant premises, the 13CT accommodates the event-based nature of a catering business. However, the license comes with specific requirements governing both the caterer’s business and how alcoholic beverages are handled.

Who Qualifies for a 13CT License in Florida?

A catering business must satisfy applicable eligibility requirements to obtain and maintain a 13CT license.

Among the key requirements are:

  • The caterer must be appropriately licensed by Florida’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants.
  • At least 51% of the caterer’s gross food and beverage revenue from each catered event must come from the sale of food and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Alcoholic beverages must be purchased from an appropriately licensed vendor.

Because the 13CT is tied specifically to qualifying catering operations, businesses should confirm that their model meets the applicable requirements before pursuing this license.

How Alcohol Service Works at Catered Events

A 13CT license allows the caterer to provide alcoholic beverage service in connection with catered events rather than operating a permanent bar or package store.

The caterer must also provide prepared food at the event. The license does not provide unrestricted alcoholic beverage privileges, and there are limitations concerning activities such as the storage of alcoholic beverages.

Understanding these restrictions is particularly important for caterers that provide alcohol service across multiple venues or regularly coordinate weddings, corporate functions, private parties, and other off-site events.

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Applying for a Florida Catering Liquor License

Obtaining a 13CT license requires an application through Florida’s alcoholic beverage licensing process along with the documentation and approvals applicable to the catering business.

Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, this can include information concerning business ownership, applicable food-service licensing, Department of Revenue clearance, fingerprints, and other supporting documentation.

Making sure the catering operation meets the underlying eligibility requirements before submitting the application can help prevent issues during the licensing process.

Add Alcohol Service to Your Florida Catering Business

For caterers that qualify, a 13CT license provides a way to incorporate beer, wine, and distilled spirits into catered events while operating within Florida’s licensing framework.

Beverage License Specialists assists catering businesses with evaluating 13CT eligibility, preparing licensing documentation, and navigating the application process.

Contact Beverage License Specialists to discuss a 13CT catering liquor license for your Florida catering business.

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

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