Licensing Archives - Brewers' Law

ABT Jun 7, 2026 | Read Time: 10 minutes

Other “Interested Parties” in Florida Alcoholic Beverage Licensing: Landlords, Lenders & Guarantors

By Trevor Brewer

If you’re applying for a Florida alcoholic beverage license, you probably know that you must list all owners, officers, and directors on your application. But many license applicants are surprised to learn they must also disclose other “interested parties” – individuals or companies who aren’t traditional owners but still have a financial stake or control in the business. These can include landlords, lenders, or even loan guarantors, depending on how your deals...

Distilleries Apr 12, 2026 | Read Time: 11 minutes

Federal Court Nixes 150-Year-Old Home Distilling Ban – But Florida’s Moonshine Laws Still Hold

By Trevor Brewer

Introduction 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)...

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...

Imports Jun 15, 2025 | Read Time: 3 minutes

Why You Can’t Just Import Wine and Sell It Online: A Legal Reality Check for Florida Entrepreneurs

By Trevor Brewer

Frequently, we speak with enthusiastic entrepreneurs who dream of launching an online wine business—often importing boutique wines from Europe and selling them directly to consumers across the U.S. via a sleek e-commerce platform. Unfortunately, many of these dreams run headfirst into a wall of federal and state alcohol laws that make this business model nearly impossible without significant restructuring....

Imports May 11, 2024 | Read Time: 3 minutes

Navigating the Alcoholic Beverage Import Business in Florida: 7 Essential Tips

By Madison Long

Importing alcoholic beverages into Florida might seem like a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and preparation, it can be a lucrative venture. Whether you’re bringing in a unique tequila from Mexico or a brand-new Irish whiskey, here are seven crucial tips to help you succeed in the Sunshine State. Secure the Necessary Licenses To import alcoholic beverages...

Breweries Sep 10, 2023 | Read Time: < 1 minute

Alcoholic Beverage Industry Participates and their Roles

By Trevor Brewer

There are a number of different ways for businesses to participate in the alcoholic beverage industry. To get the right federal and state alcoholic beverage licenses and permits, you first have to identify what role or roles your business will play. Alcoholic Beverage Industry Participation Profiles provides a table of common activities in the alcoholic beverage industry and identifies...

Licensing Aug 13, 2023 | Read Time: 3 minutes

Alcohol Licensing for Florida Food Halls

By Madison Long

Food halls have burst onto the scene in Florida, becoming a popular choice for both food enthusiasts and business owners. These vibrant spaces offer a wide array of culinary options and a lively atmosphere, making them a must-visit for anyone seeking a diverse dining experience. But did you know that behind the scenes, food halls face unique challenges when...

Breweries Jun 18, 2023 | Read Time: 3 minutes

Navigating Food Licenses for Breweries, Brewpubs, Wineries, and Distilleries

By Madison Long

If you’re thinking about starting a brewery, brewpub, winery, or distillery, it’s important to understand that these businesses require special licensing for both alcohol and food. While alcohol has its unique regulations, it is still considered a food product by the primary food regulatory agencies. In this blog post, we will explore the requirements for obtaining food licenses and...

ABT Jun 11, 2023 | Read Time: 3 minutes

Post-Licensing Changes that require Update and Approval

By Madison Long

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...

ABT May 14, 2023 | Read Time: 4 minutes

UPDATED: 6 Requirements for Florida Restaurant’s to Sell Beer, Wine & Liquor

By Trevor Brewer

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...