How to Become a Bartender in Florida

Becoming a bartender in Florida is a moderately easy thing to do with a little time and completion of a licensed bartending course. There are several bartending schools throughout the state and online that can help get you certifications and some that even help place you into jobs upon completion of the courses. There are a few steps to take that will help ensure employment once you decide that you want to become a bartender.

Instructions

1. Get work as a bar back or a server in a restaurant or bar. Bar backs and servers experience bussing tables, serving and dealing with customers in the same environment that they would be expected to perform in as bartenders. Employers like to see that you have experience working in a fast-paced environment and can handle the type of rushes that a bar is likely to experience. Becoming knowledgeable on the various drinks that bars will serve will also help in becoming a bartender.

2. Make sure you have a valid ID to indicate that you are 21 years of age or older. Acceptable forms of ID can be a driver's license, a state ID card, a military ID, or a valid passport. Without at least one form of these IDs, you will not be able to receive a bartending license or gain employment, as it is illegal to serve alcoholic beverages in Florida if you are under the age of 21, and your employer will need to be able to verify your age.

3. Find a bartending school online or in several Florida cities that offer courses. Bartending courses generally include subjects such as how to properly check IDs, the responsibilities and liabilities of the server, and how to tell if a patron has had too much to drink. At the end of a bartending course, you will receive a certificate that proves your beverage knowledge and ability to work as a bartender.

4. Go on the job hunt. Job sites, such as Craigslist and Indeed.com often have posts for open bartending jobs. In addition to this, check with the school you received your certification form from, they may help you find work by having you fill out a National Bartenders Job Placement form. These schools have access and information on bars in the local area and can put you in touch with bars who are seeking help.

References

• Professional Server Certification Corp.: Florida Alcohol Seller / Server Certification
• Bartending World: Frequently Asked Questions about Bartending School
• Backpage South Florida: Become a Bartender in One Week
• Professional Server Certification Corp. - Responsible Server Training
• Indeed - Bartending Jobs Florida