Businesses that manufacture, distribute, or sell alcoholic beverages in Florida often assume that if they can legally sell alcohol, they can also move it however they want. That assumption is wrong—and it is one of the most common sources of compliance problems we see. Florida law tightly regulates how alcoholic beverages can be transported, delivered, and shipped. These rules...
Continue ReadingIntroduction A recent federal court decision has shaken up a Prohibition-era rule. But before any hobbyist distillers in Florida get too excited, it’s crucial to know that nothing has changed about Florida’s own ban on home distilling. On April 10, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (a high-level federal court covering Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi)...
Continue ReadingFlorida’s craft distilleries’ identity depends on three manufacturing activities. Section 565.03 of the Florida Statutes repeatedly uses “distilling, rectifying, or blending” to define (1) what a branded product is, (2) who qualifies as a craft distillery, and (3) what a craft distillery may sell to consumers from its gift shop or tasting room. Understanding these terms is essential for...
Continue ReadingFlorida distilleries increasingly look to import bulk distilled spirits for bottling and distribution, whether to expand their own product lines or provide co-packing services to foreign producers. A Florida distillery can serve as its own importer or it can contract with a Florida importer for purposes of bringing bulk spirits into the state. In either case, the process is...
Continue ReadingThe federal regulations for setting up a brewery, winery, or distillery (referred to as a “distilled spirits plant” or DSP) outline strict requirements for the designated area approved for production operations, known as the “bonded premises.” The Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau (TTB) is responsible for enforcing these regulations. Rules Governing the Bonded Premises Each commodity...
Continue ReadingIn Florida, alcohol distributors occasionally seek to transfer their distribution agreements to new distributors. The roles of beer, wine, or distilled spirits suppliers vary greatly in these assignments. While, beer distribution agreements are tightly regulated by the Florida Beer Franchise Law. assignments of wine or distilled spirits distribution agreements are governed only by general contract laws and principles. Florida...
Continue ReadingHave 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 ReadingThe 2024 Session of the Florida Legislature will include consideration of a number of bills affecting breweries, wineries, distilleries, retailers and consumers. The 2024 regular session of the Florida Legislature kicks off Tuesday, January 9, 2024. This 2-month session will see the consideration of a number of bills that could affect the Florida beverage industry as soon as July....
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 ReadingWinding up a business, especially in the world of alcohol manufacturing, involves a detailed process divided into three main parts: regulatory requirements, handling creditors’ claims, and managing assets. Here’s a breakdown of what each of these involves: Regulatory Requirements: For alcohol manufacturers, meeting regulatory demands is a crucial step in winding up operations. This primarily revolves around dealing with...
Continue Reading