Florida's 13CT Catering Liquor License – Overview & How to Get One

The catering industry is booming, with an expected compound annual growth rate of 4 percent from 2016 through 2021. One of the essential tools in your catering company’s arsenal to ride that growth is the all-important Caterer License for Beer, Wine, and Liquor Consumption on Premises – otherwise known as the 13CT license.

This can be a time-intensive process, and Beverage License Specialists is prepared to help make sure your business is fully equipped with this necessary license.

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Why Catering Businesses in Florida Need This License

A 13CT Florida liquor license allows caterers to sell and serve all types of alcoholic beverages at a catered event where the “licensee is also providing prepared food.”

Without this license, your catering company will be unable to sell or serve alcohol, removing one of the most significant profit drivers from your menu. Without the ability to sell or serve alcohol, you give your company’s competitors a distinct edge.

Requirements for the 13CT Permit for Caterers

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.

The Necessary Documents for a Catering Liquor License

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

How to Complete the 13CT Catering 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.