Florida Tasting Rules

Rules for Beer Tastings (from Florida Statutes Section 563.09)

Beer tastings may be conducted by manufacturer, distributor, importer or contracted third party agent.
Beer tastings must occur on the premises of:
- A vendor licensed for the consumption of beer on premises (for example, a bar or restaurant); or
- A quota package store; or
- A vendor licensed for consumption off premises sales, but only if it’s open area is at least 10,000 square feet (for example, a grocery store, but not a convenience store).
Beer tastings at a consumption on premises location must be provided in an open container.
Beer tastings at a consumption off premises location must be provided in a tasting cup of 3.5 oz or less.
Beer tastings must be limited to and directed only to members of the general public age 21 years or older.
The manufacturer, distributor, importer or contracted third party agent conducting the beer tasting cannot pay the vendor, except that it can purchase the beer from the vendor at the retail price.
If not purchased directly from the vendor, the beer provided at a tastings must be tax paid.
Only one manufacturer, distributor, importer or contracted third party agent can conduct a beer tasting at a location at any given time.
Vendors may conduct beer tastings from their own inventories (otherwise known as giving away free beer).

Wine tastings may be conducted by distributors or vendors only, not manufacturers.
Wine tastings are permitted on premises licensed for the sale of wine or spirits for consumption on premises or consumption off premises.
Wine tastings must be limited to and directed toward members of the general public age 21 years or older.

Liquor tastings may be conducted by distributors or vendors only, not manufacturers.
Liquor tastings are permitted on premises licensed for the sale of spirits for consumption on premises or consumption off premises.
Liquor tastings must be limited to and directed toward members of the general public age 21 years or older.