ABT Feb 15, 2026 | Read Time: 4 minutes

Private Equity Across Tiers in Florida: How to Invest Without Blowing up the Three Tier System

By Trevor Brewer

Florida’s alcoholic beverage laws make it hard for private equity (PE) investors to “own a little bit of everything” across suppliers, distributors, and retailers. Florida is a three-tier state, and the point of the system is separation: manufacturers sell to distributors, distributors sell to vendors, and vendors buy only from distributors. The Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco...

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The Florida Breweries Report Feb 8, 2026 | Read Time: 2 minutes

THE FLORIDA BREWERIES REPORT – NOVEMBER 2025

By Trevor Brewer

The Data: The Florida Breweries Report reflects data published by the Florida ABT, which is available online here, as of the date of publication. The ABT monthly publishes the taxpaid sales for each brewery and distributor. Unfortunately, the ABT does not publish breweries’ sales to distributors. This means that the Florida Breweries Report reflects only breweries’ taxpaid sales, which are generally made...

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Beverage Legislation Jan 11, 2026 | Read Time: < 1 minute

Florida Beverage Legislation 2026: Key Bills and Pre-Session Insights

By Trevor Brewer

The 2026 Session of the Florida Legislature includes consideration of a few bills with affecting breweries, wineries, distilleries, retailers and consumers. The 2026 regular session of the Florida Legislature kicked off Tuesday, January 13, 2026. This 2-month session will see the consideration of a number of bills that could affect the Florida beverage industry as soon as July. For...

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Federal Regulation Dec 28, 2025 | Read Time: 3 minutes

Bars, Taprooms, and Tasting Rooms: Why Your Website’s “Accessibility Widget” May Not Protect You (and What Will)

By Trevor Brewer

Retailer Websites Must be ADA Compliant Florida retailers need to worry about ADA-compliant websites because the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) treats businesses like bars, restaurants, and stores as “public accommodations.” That means their websites and mobile apps must provide equal access to goods and services for people with disabilities. If a site isn’t accessible—such as missing screen reader...

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Florida Beverage Law Dec 28, 2025 | Read Time: 2 minutes

THE FLORIDA BREWERIES REPORT – OCTOBER 2025

By Trevor Brewer

The Data: The Florida Breweries Report reflects data published by the Florida ABT, which is available online here, as of the date of publication. The ABT monthly publishes the taxpaid sales for each brewery and distributor. Unfortunately, the ABT does not publish breweries’ sales to distributors. This means that the Florida Breweries Report reflects only breweries’ taxpaid sales, which are generally made...

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ABT Dec 7, 2025 | Read Time: 3 minutes

How to Secure Your Interest in a Florida Quota Liquor License

By Trevor Brewer

Florida quota liquor licenses are among the most valuable assets in the state’s alcoholic beverage industry. Because the number of these licenses is limited by county population, they often sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Whether you’re a lender financing the purchase of a quota license or a seller providing financing through a promissory note, protecting your interest...

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The Florida Breweries Report Nov 29, 2025 | Read Time: 2 minutes

THE FLORIDA BREWERIES REPORT – SEPTEMBER 2025

By Trevor Brewer

The Data: The Florida Breweries Report reflects data published by the Florida ABT, which is available online here, as of the date of publication. The ABT monthly publishes the taxpaid sales for each brewery and distributor. Unfortunately, the ABT does not publish breweries’ sales to distributors. This means that the Florida Breweries Report reflects only breweries’ taxpaid sales, which are generally made...

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Beverage Legislation Nov 17, 2025 | Read Time: 3 minutes

Big Changes Ahead for Hemp Beverages: What Florida Manufacturers Need to Know

By Trevor Brewer

The hemp industry is about to face a major regulatory shift. A new federal law dramatically changes how THC content in hemp-derived food and beverages will be regulated. If you manufacture or sell hemp-based or CBD drinks in Florida, now is the time to prepare. What Does the New Federal Law Say? In November 2025, Congress passed a federal...

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Breweries Nov 2, 2025 | Read Time: 2 minutes

THE FLORIDA BREWERIES REPORT – AUGUST 2025

By Trevor Brewer

The Data: The Florida Breweries Report reflects data published by the Florida ABT, which is available online here, as of the date of publication. The ABT monthly publishes the taxpaid sales for each brewery and distributor. Unfortunately, the ABT does not publish breweries’ sales to distributors. This means that the Florida Breweries Report reflects only breweries’ taxpaid sales, which are generally made...

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Wineries Oct 26, 2025 | Read Time: 3 minutes

Wine Products Under 7% ABV: Who Regulates It—FDA or TTB?

By Trevor Brewer

If you make or sell wine or wine-based beverages with less than 7% alcohol by volume (ABV), you’re dealing with a unique regulatory split. These products are not subject to the usual alcohol labeling rules from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Instead, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) takes the lead on labeling. But TTB...

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