Updated: Festival Participation for Florida Craft Distilleries
Florida distilleries must be careful about how they participate in festivals. It’s not as easy as just showing up with the booze.
Continue ReadingPost-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...
Continue ReadingImportant 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....
Continue ReadingTHE FLORIDA BREWERIES REPORT – MARCH 2023
MONTHLY 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 ReadingThe Two Big Questions About Tips
In bars, taprooms, and tasting rooms, determining who can participate in a tip pool raises two important questions. These questions revolve around whether managers should share in the tip pool and how employees with dual job roles should be treated when it comes to tips. This article will delve into these questions and propose potential solutions to ensure fair...
Continue ReadingUPDATED: 6 Requirements for Florida Restaurant’s to Sell Beer, Wine & Liquor
Florida restaurants that want to sell beer, wine and liquor–whether at a restaurant bar or to seated customers–must have a 4COP-SFS (formerly known as 4COP-SRX) license issued by the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (ABT) pursuant to Florida Statutes Section 561.20(2)(a)4. Most recently, this law was updated by Florida Law 2023-65, effective July 1, 2023. To get...
Continue ReadingFLORIDA BEVERAGE LEGISLATION: 2023 POST-SESSION REVIEW OF BEVERAGE BILLS
Florida Legislature Passed Two Bills Affecting the Beverage Laws The 2023 session of the Florida Legislature featured 3 pairs of companion bills proposing to change Florida’s alcoholic beverage laws. Two of the pairs passed both houses of the Florida Legislature and are now on their way for signature by the governor. The other pair of bills did not get...
Continue ReadingTHE FLORIDA BREWERIES REPORT – FEBRUARY 2023
MONTHLY 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 ReadingFlorida Business Owners: You Need a Business Tax Receipt (Maybe Two)
Alcoholic beverage companies operating in Florida must apply for and maintain several federal, state and local government licenses and permits. One of the most common is the business tax receipt (BTR). Florida Counties and Cities Require BTRs for Nearly All Businesses The Florida Statutes generally authorizes counties and cities to levy a business tax for the privilege of engaging...
Continue ReadingImporting Alcohol to Florida for Personal Consumption
Traveling can be an exciting way to explore new places and cultures, but it’s important to know the rules and regulations when it comes to bringing alcohol back home. Whether you’re returning from a trip abroad or visiting another state within the US, there are both federal and state requirements that travelers need to follow to avoid any legal...
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