ABT | Read Time: 4 minutes

Florida Craft Distillery Licensing Challenges

Florida’s craft distillery scene has seen a remarkable surge since the enactment of the Craft Distillery Law in 2021. The numbers tell the story: from 84 licensed distilleries in September 2021, the count has now soared to 118 by September 2023. Many of these new licenses belong to manufacturers already operating as breweries or wineries, sharing manufacturing spaces to...

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Federal Regulation | Read Time: 2 minutes

The Return of Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverages: A Look at the Law

The inclusion of caffeine into alcoholic beverages has been an idea played with on and off over the years. A decade ago, caffeinated alcohol made a big splash on in the market. Malt beverage products like Four Loko, Joos, Max, and Moonshot saw rapid growth until 2010. In August 2023, reports began to circulate that Dunkin’ plans to launch...

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Breweries | Read Time: 2 minutes

Alcohol Transfers-in-Bond: What You Need to Know

In the world of alcoholic beverages, a fascinating process called “bulk transfer” takes place. This is when one manufacturer, known as the “shipper” or “consignor,” sends a large quantity of wine or distilled spirits to another manufacturer, referred to as the “receiving plant” or “consignee.” This type of transfer, often known as a “transfer in bond” (TIB), is quite...

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ABT | Read Time: 3 minutes

Post-Licensing Changes that require Update and Approval

When you finally receive the necessary licenses to operate your beverage business in Florida from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) and the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT), it’s incredibly exciting and relieving. However, it’s important to remember that your relationship with these organizations is ongoing, and there may be circumstances in which...

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Imports | Read Time: 3 minutes

Important Things to Know About Taxes on Imported Spirits Bottled in the U.S.

Taxes are a vital part of importing spirits into the United States. In most cases, imported spirits need to pay taxes at US Customs. These taxes, known as federal excise taxes, are collected by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Understanding how taxes work for imported spirits can help you better understand their costs and pricing....

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Federal Regulation | Read Time: 2 minutes

New 2023 Rules for Alcohol Importers and Foreign Suppliers

The Craft Beverage Modernization Act (CBMA) is a provision in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that lowered taxes on all beverage alcohol producers, big and small, foreign and domestic. In 2020, the tax cuts became permanent. Effective as of January 1, 2023, the Treasury Department–particularly, the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)–is in...

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ABT | Read Time: 4 minutes

Compliance Checkup for Florida Alcoholic Beverage Companies

Happy New Year! The beginning of the year is a great time for alcoholic beverage industry members–manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers–to review the events of the prior and confirm that they have taken care of regulatory compliance. In addition to periodic reporting required at the federal and state levels, changes to ownership, management, or premises triggers the requirement to update...

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ABT | Read Time: 4 minutes

Variation Requests by Florida Alcohol Suppliers

Laws and regulations that govern the production and sale of alcoholic beverage products can seem very strict. This is true for the most part. However, there are circumstances when variances from the rules–either permanent or temporary–are authorized. The key to any variance from federal or state alcoholic beverage regulations is the same: a request for variance must be made...

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Beverage Legislation | Read Time: < 1 minute

Labeling for Alcoholic Products Exterior Packaging

Federal law requires that the well-recognized Government Warning: GOVERNMENT WARNING: (1) According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. (2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems. be affixed to a “conspicuous and prominent place...

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