As an individual that wants to acquire a Florida Liquor Licensing you probably have a lot of questions, which is understandable. Today we’re going to narrow it down to some of the most common whether you are wondering where to get a 4Cop liquor license in Florida or hoping to open a restaurant. Opening a bar or a restaurant can present some serious challenges, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. Keep reading to learn more about the 4Cop liquor license along with several others in the state of Florida.

The age-old question: how long will you be waiting to serve your first drinks to thirsty patrons? The answer: it depends. Learn more about your Florida Liquor License options with a team of licensing specialists.

TYPES OF LICENSES: WHICH ONE DO YOU NEED?

There are two major types of liquor licenses that you want to look into when you are setting up shop in the state of Florida which include:

Package License – This is a beer and wine license, and it will work out well for you if you don’t want to sell hard liquor because there is no limit on the number allowed in the state of Florida.

Quota License – For the sale of liquor you need this type of license but keep in mind that it is limited, and you must meet a strict set of requirements.

To break it down: the license that you choose depends on what you want to sell and where you want to sell it.

WHAT LICENSE DO YOU NEED TO SELL ALCOHOL AT A RESTAURANT?

Great news: in this situation, you can get around the quota license limit for the county! If you own a restaurant or are planning to build one, you can obtain an SRX license which allows you to sell both beer and wine for consumption but only on your premises. The most significant limitation of this license is that you need to pull 51% of your revenue from food. You must be able to provide proof that you meet this requirement and if you cannot, you will not be eligible.

HOW MUCH ARE YOU GOING TO PAY?

There is a wide range of costs associated with a liquor license in Florida, especially if you are purchasing one from a private seller after a lottery drawing. If you are just looking at the base costs; however, the annual license runs from $28 to $1,820 depending on the type of license you want to acquire and the drinks that you want to sell. You can find more information about the cost of each kind of license here.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A FLORIDA LIQUOR LICENSE?

The age-old question: how long will you be waiting to serve your first drinks to thirsty patrons? The answer: it depends. Ultimately, the type of license that you are buying determines the length of time you must wait. While it could come back sooner, the Division is required by law to process your application within ninety days assuming it has been received and accepted. This rule makes it less likely that they will ‘leave you hanging’ as you try to open your new restaurant or bar.

CAN YOU TRANSFER TO ANOTHER COUNTY?

If your business isn’t doing well in its current location is it possible for you to move to another location? There are two answers to this question:

• Beer/Wine License – Yes, you can transfer between counties
• Quota License – No, you cannot transfer to another county due to the limitations in each county. If you need to move your establishment to another county, you must apply for a new license. A great idea for this circumstance would be to sell off your existing license to fund the new one but remember always to check to ensure that the new county’s quota has not been met.

IS A FLORIDA LIQUOR LICENSING NECESSARY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES?

For legal compliance, a license is absolutely necessary for small businesses. Without one, you risk severe fines, criminal charges, and the potential closure of your business.

Of course, if you are asking whether or not a Florida liquor license is necessary, you might be more focused on how liquor sales could help your business to grow. If you operate a restaurant, café, or other small business that serves food, then liquor sales will benefit you.

• Liquor sales can attract more customers, particularly with promotional events like happy hours and quiz nights.
• Many customers will expect liquor to be available with food. For small food businesses, beer and wine sales are usually enough. For full-service restaurants, beer, wine, and spirits should be served.
• Liquor could actually boost your revenue, depending on where your business is located and the clientele that you attract. The cost percentage of liquor is lower than food. In effect, you will generate more profit from liquor sales than you will from anything else on your menu.

Incorporate liquor into your sales strategy and you will have a recipe for success in your market.

IS THERE A NON-QUOTA OPTION FOR LARGE BUSINESSES?

Mid and large-sized business owners might initially assume that a quota license is the best option to sell beer, wine, and spirits. However, there’s actually an alternative, providing that your business meets some specific criteria.

Florida’s 4COP-SRX license is not offered through the regional lottery. Instead, businesses can apply at any time of the year if they meet the following requirements:

• The business must be able to generate at least 51% of its revenue from non-liquor sales.
• Food must be available to order at all times that liquor is sold.
• The business must have a floor space between 2,500 sq. ft. and 5,000 sq. ft.
• There must be tables and seating available for at least 150 patrons (the minimum may increase to 250 patrons, depending on the county.)

The non-quota license is offered as an alternative to make business conditions fairer in Florida. Liquor License Outlet can help you to determine the best license for your unique business needs.

TALK TO THE PROFESSIONALS WHEN YOU NEED A FLORIDA LIQUOR LICENSING

Opening up a bar, restaurant, or even a club can be a challenge, but by filing the right paperwork and hiring a service to help you, you can make the process as painless as possible. With more than fifty years of experience, Liquor License Outlet is ready to help you get where you need to be, serving patrons and customers here in Florida. Call us now!