The Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (the “ABT”)’s Declaratory Statement involving the placement of digital advertising devises in alcoholic beverage retail stores may have important implications for the future of in-store advertising of alcoholic beverage products in Florida. In 2015, the ABT issued Declaratory Statement 2015-054 in response to the petition filed by Food & Beverage Innovations,...
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...
Continue ReadingFlorida’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...
Continue ReadingThe world of beer is a dynamic and ever-changing one. Breweries and beer importers are always looking for new ways to introduce their products to the Florida market. However, the beer industry has its challenges, especially when it comes to distribution. In this blog post, we’ll explore the Florida Beer Franchise Law, specifically focusing on the concept of test...
Continue ReadingThe United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit recently ruled that the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT) waited too long–by 16 years–to try to change a district court ruling that allows out-of-state wine retailers to sell and deliver wine directly to Florida consumers. See Bainbridge vs Director of the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages...
Continue ReadingFlorida has its own unique rules and regulations when it comes to selling alcoholic beverages. One of the most intriguing aspects of Florida’s alcohol industry is the concept of quota licenses. In this post, we’ll explore the valuable property rights associated with these licenses and what happens when creditors get involved. Three Categories of Florida Alcoholic Beverage Vendor Licenses...
Continue ReadingIn Florida, the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT) is concerned about violations of the Tied House Evil Law, which aims to prevent unfair practices in the alcoholic beverage industry. This law prohibits manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers from controlling local markets through payments to alcohol retailers and other unfair marketing techniques. The ABT has established guidelines for third-party...
Continue ReadingFlorida distilleries must be careful about how they participate in festivals. It’s not as easy as just showing up with the booze.
Continue ReadingWhen 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 ReadingFlorida 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 Reading