Have you ever wondered how whiskey or vodka is made? In the United States, it’s a process that can only happen in a special place called a Distilled Spirits Plant, or DSP for short. Let’s dive into what a DSP is all about! What is DSP? A Distilled Spirits Plant is a licensed establishment where the magic of distilling...
Continue ReadingReady-to-drink beverages, often abbreviated as RTDs, have become quite popular among folks looking for convenient, pre-mixed alcoholic cocktails. These beverages come in cans and are ready for consumption right out of the fridge. However, behind the convenience lies a tangled web of taxation complexities, especially when it comes to excise taxes. Firstly, let’s understand what RTDs are. These beverages...
Continue ReadingMONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS 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...
Continue ReadingOpening a 6-liter Methusaleh bottle of Veuve Clicquout Brut Champagne at your next family or friends gathering in Florida would certainly make a statement! It’s not just about the luxury of the champagne, but also the symbolism of breaking free from restrictive laws and embracing a spirit of celebration and freedom. Since the House and Senate approved Rep. Chip...
Continue ReadingFLORIDA LEGISLATURE PASSED TWO BILLS AFFECTING THE BEVERAGE LAWS The 2024 session of the Florida Legislature featured 8 bills proposing to change Florida’s alcoholic beverage laws. The session ended March, 8, 2024. Two of pairs of bills passed both houses of the Florida Legislature and are now on their way for signature by the governor. The other bills did...
Continue ReadingMONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS 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...
Continue ReadingWhen it comes to alcohol beverage tastings in Florida, the rules are different for beer, wine, and liquor. For this purpose, a “tasting” is an even at which a sample of the alcoholic product is given directly to an individual customer for free. Generally, customers cannot be charged for the sample (but exceptions for Florida Farm Wineries and craft...
Continue ReadingIn recent years, cocktails have surged in popularity, becoming a staple in bars and restaurants. From classic concoctions like the Old Fashioned to trendy mixes like the Espresso Martini, consumers are eager to sample a variety of flavors and combinations. Even wine and beer cocktails have found their place on menus, with favorites like the Mimosa and Michelada captivating...
Continue ReadingMONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS 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...
Continue ReadingAlcoholic beverage suppliers in Florida–whether manufacturers, importers, or broker-sales agents–are limited in the ways that they can get their products into the market. Generally, suppliers must sell their products to licensed distributors, and distributors must sell their products to licensed retail vendors. So how do suppliers introduce new alcoholic beverage products to Florida retail vendors? One way is to...
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