Florida Alcohol Sales Laws

Florida laws concerning the sale of alcoholic beverages are in place to provide business owners with parameters for selling alcoholic beverages safely and legally. Any establishment that sells alcohol is required to possess an appropriate license obtained through the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation. This license could be in jeopardy if a business knowingly violates alcohol sale laws.

Legal Age of Consumption

The minimum legal drinking age in the United States is 21, and Florida is no exception. It is illegal to sell or otherwise distribute alcoholic beverages to anyone under this age for any reason. Penalties for businesses in Florida that provide alcohol to minors can range from heavy fines to jail time and possible revocation of the business's liquor license. A minor who attempts to purchase alcohol illegally may be punished with up to 60 days in jail and a fine of not more than $500, according to the Florida Legislature.

Serving Alcoholic Beverages and Restaurant Specials

The legal minimum age in Florida to sell, prepare and serve alcoholic beverages is 18. Florida does not have specific laws relating to the sale of alcoholic beverages during happy hour or other special promotions. This means restaurants and bars can sell beverages for whatever price they choose though they may still face liability issues resulting from the sale of alcoholic beverages to obviously intoxicated persons. It is illegal in Florida to sell alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person; any restaurant that does so may be both civilly and criminally liable for damages caused by the intoxicated person.

Hours of Sale

Florida allows local municipalities to determine the hours of sale for alcoholic beverages in restaurants. If a municipality does not pass an ordinance relating to the sale of alcoholic beverages, the latest hour they may be sold is 2 a.m. Counties and cities with later hours of sale include Tampa (3 a.m.) and Broward County (4 a.m.). Alcohol is sold 24 hours day in the Miami entertainment district. Store hours also vary by municipality.

Corking Laws

Florida law does not allow diners who purchase a bottle of wine in a restaurant to recork the bottle and take it home. This means you have to consume what you purchase or leave it behind. If you attempt to take an open bottle of wine home with you and happen to be stopped by police, you may be cited for carrying an open container of alcohol. This can lead to fines, loss of your driver's license and possible jail time if you are also found to be driving under the influence.

References

• Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation: Statutes
• Florida Legislature: Beverage Law Enforcement
• Restaurant: State Laws Governing On-Premises Alcohol Sales