If you make or sell wine or wine-based beverages with less than 7% alcohol by volume (ABV), you’re dealing with a unique regulatory split. These products are not subject to the usual alcohol labeling rules from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Instead, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) takes the lead on labeling. But TTB...
Continue ReadingFrequently, 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....
Continue ReadingFlorida legislature Passed One Bill Affecting the Beverage Industry The 2025 session of the Florida Legislature featured a number of bills proposing to change Florida’s alcoholic beverage laws. The regular session ended May 2, 2025 (a special session is expected to pass the state’s budget. One consensus bill passed both houses of the Florida Legislature and is now on...
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 ReadingStarting a wine products business in Florida can be an exciting and rewarding venture. Whether you’re looking to launch a canned wine brand or sell wine online, there are several key steps and considerations to keep in mind. Here’s some general advice to help you get started and succeed in the wine industry in Florida. 1. Research and Planning...
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 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 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...
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