How to Get a Liquor License in Florida

If you’re planning to own a bar and sell alcohol in Florida, getting a liquor license is a must. Sure, it can sound like a bit of a hassle at first, but don’t let the red tape scare you off. Once you understand the process, it’s a lot more straightforward than it looks.

Florida doesn’t make getting a liquor license too complicated, but there are some important steps you’ll need to take before you can legally pour, serve, or sell that first drink.

Step 1: Choose the right license type

Florida offers a wide variety of liquor licenses, and the one you’ll need really depends on a few key things: what kind of alcohol you want to sell, whether your customers will be drinking it on-site or taking it to go, and the exact location of your business.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the license types:

Start by thinking about your business model. Are you running a sit-down restaurant where people will enjoy wine with their meals? Or maybe a neighborhood convenience store that sells beer to-go? Or a unique type of bar? This decision shapes everything, so get clear on it from the start.

For smaller establishments like cafes or diners that only want to offer beer and wine, the 2COP license is a solid starting point. It lets you serve beer and wine for consumption on the premises. If your business plans to offer a full bar, including spirits, the 4COP license is what you’re after. This license is typically used by restaurants and bars that want to serve the full range of alcoholic beverages.

If you’re not planning on on-site consumption, such as in a grocery store or gas station, you’ll be looking at licenses like the 1APS or 2APS. These allow for retail sales of beer (1APS) or both beer and wine (2APS) that customers take with them.

And then there are quota licenses. These are limited in number and are often the most expensive. The state issues them based on county population growth, so they’re not always available through the standard application process. If you need a full liquor license for on-premise consumption and your county has hit its limit, your only option may be to buy an existing license from someone who already holds one. These licenses can fetch tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on demand in your area.

Step 2: Check local zoning and county requirements

Before you start filling out any forms or submitting documents, take a step back and look at where your business will operate. Not every location in Florida is zoned for alcohol sales, and this can make or break your plans before you even get started. Zoning laws differ not only from city to city, but sometimes even from block to block within the same neighborhood. Some areas have strict rules that limit or ban alcohol sales near schools, churches, playgrounds, or even residential zones.

The best move is to contact your local zoning or planning department early on. Explain your business model, describe the type of alcohol you plan to sell, and ask them to verify whether your chosen location is zoned appropriately for those activities. If the location doesn’t meet zoning requirements, you might need to apply for a zoning variance or conditional use permit, which can involve public hearings and longer approval timelines.

In some cases, the answer might be a flat no, so it’s smart to know this before you sign a lease or start renovations.

On top of that, different counties and municipalities may have additional layers of regulation. Some might require a special use permit, others might have alcohol zoning overlay districts that impose stricter conditions, and others may require input or approval from the city commission or county board. You might also be asked to submit your floor plans for review or attend community meetings.

In short, don’t assume that just because the state might approve your license, the local government will be on the same page. Doing this research upfront can save you from costly surprises down the line, putting you one step closer to opening your doors with full confidence.

Step 3: Apply through the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT) portal

Next up, head over to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) website and create an account on the Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT) online portal. This is the place where everything comes to life: application, document uploads, payments, and tracking your progress.

Be ready with key documents, including:

• Personal information and background check forms
• Legal business structure and ownership details
• Your zoning letter
• A floor plan of your location (showing where alcohol will be stored and served)
• Federal and state tax ID numbers

It’s helpful to double-check the full checklist on the site so you don’t miss anything. Missing documents can cause delays on the ABT online portal. From there, you can fill out and submit your application.

Be prepared to provide:

• Personal background info
• Business structure info
• Zoning documentation
• Floor plan of the premises
• Federal and state tax IDs

Additionally, background checks are required to ensure there are no disqualifying criminal histories, and the floor plan helps ABT verify the setup complies with state standards. The application also includes a financial disclosure portion, so be ready to provide information about funding sources.

Step 4: Pay the application and licensing fees

Every liquor license comes with a fee, and how much you’ll pay depends on the license type and your business’s location. Florida’s quota system means some full liquor licenses (like 4COP) are limited in number and highly sought after, so they can be expensive.

In some counties, you might have to buy a license from an existing holder if no new ones are available. That can bump the price up significantly, sometimes into tens of thousands. If that’s not in the cards, a beer-and-wine license or an SRX (for qualifying restaurants) can be a more affordable path.

Budget accordingly and be sure to factor in both the state application fees and any additional costs from your local jurisdiction. Florida has a quota system for full liquor licenses (4COP), and those can get pricey. You might even need to buy one from an existing license holder if there are no new ones available.

Here’s a rough idea of all the annual costs:

Step 5: Pass background and financial checks

Florida takes alcohol sales seriously, and part of the process involves vetting the people behind the business. Everyone with a significant ownership stake or operational control will need to go through a comprehensive background check. This includes fingerprinting, which must be done through a state-approved vendor. You’ll receive instructions on where and how to complete this once your application is underway.

Beyond personal history, the state also takes a good look at your finances. They’ll want to know that your funding sources are legitimate and not tied to any illegal or suspicious activity. If you’ve ever filed for bankruptcy, had financial disputes, or been part of a failed business, now’s the time to be upfront about it. Being honest won’t necessarily hurt your application, but hiding things definitely can.

If multiple people are involved in ownership, each one needs to undergo this process. Make sure everyone is on the same page and ready with their documentation. Transparency is key to keeping the process smooth and on schedule. Any inconsistencies, missing paperwork, or red flags can result in long delays or even denial of your license.

Step 6: Wait for approval

After submitting your complete application, the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT) will begin reviewing your materials. Typically, it takes about 30 to 90 days for them to process a standard application, but that timeline isn’t set in stone. If your paperwork is missing something or the ABT is dealing with a high volume of applications, things can stretch out. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your submission is as thorough and accurate as possible from the beginning.

Now, if you’re in the process of transferring a quota license, expect a longer wait. These transfers are more complex because they involve legal and financial vetting on both sides: the buyer and the seller. The ABT has to verify the legitimacy of the sale, ensure compliance with all regulations, and process a formal change of ownership. In some cases, it may require a public hearing or additional legal paperwork depending on the local jurisdiction.

During this waiting period, it’s common for the ABT to reach out for more details, clarifications, or corrections. Stay on top of your email and respond quickly. Delayed responses on your end can easily tack on weeks to your timeline. The faster you can provide what they need, the faster your application can move forward.

In the meantime, keep your business plans rolling behind the scenes, like preparing your space, training staff, planning bar inventory, and lining up your launch, so you can hit the ground running once that license comes through.

Step 7: Display your license and stay compliant

Once your license is approved, congratulations! But you’re not quite done yet. Your liquor license must be posted in a visible spot at your business location. Inspectors from the ABT may visit at any time, and they’ll want to see that your license is current and correctly displayed.

You’ll also need to renew your license each year by the deadline and make sure your business stays in compliance with all applicable alcohol laws. That includes checking IDs, following legal hours for alcohol sales, and avoiding over-serving patrons.

If you’re hiring staff to serve alcohol, you may want to invest in training programs like those provided through Responsible Vendor programs. These can help minimize liability and show regulators you take responsible alcohol service seriously.

How long does a liquor license last in Florida?

Once you have your liquor license in hand, you’ll want to make sure you hang onto it—literally and figuratively. In Florida, most liquor licenses are valid for one year, which means you’ll need to plan ahead for annual renewals. As business consultant expert John Randazzo puts it, “Failing to renew your license can lead to penalties, fines, and even business closure until the matter is resolved.”

Letting your license expire can bring your alcohol sales to a grinding halt, and in some cases, you might even have to go through the entire application process again. That’s definitely something you want to avoid.

Each county may have slightly different deadlines, so always check with your local authority. But here’s a general idea of what the renewal schedule looks like:

The renewal process is pretty straightforward. You’ll typically receive a notice in the mail or via email from the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT), but don’t rely solely on that. Mark your calendar and set a few reminders. Renewing on time not only keeps your business in good standing but also helps you avoid late fees or interruptions to your operations.

A little planning goes a long way, especially when it comes to keeping your bar, restaurant, or shop running smoothly.

Get ready to serve the Sunshine State

Getting a liquor license in Florida isn’t as intimidating as it sounds once you break it down. Just take it one step at a time, stay on top of your paperwork, and keep your deadlines in check. Soon enough, you’ll be clinking glasses and serving customers legally and confidently. And when you’re ready to simplify employee scheduling and operations, look into tools like 7shifts. It’s a favorite among restaurant and bar owners for keeping teams organized and shifts running efficiently.

Soon enough, you’ll be clinking glasses and serving customers legally and confidently.