Bill > H0087

This bill modifies the requirements for obtaining a special beverage license for food service establishments by reducing the minimum service area square footage from 2,000 to 1,200 square feet and decreasing the required seating capacity from 120 to 80 physical seats. The bill allows restaurants with these updated specifications to obtain a special license to sell alcoholic beverages, provided they continue to derive at least 51 percent of their gross food and beverage revenue from food and non-alcoholic beverages. The licensing process includes a staggered audit schedule based on the establishment's food and non-alcoholic beverage revenue percentage, with audit frequencies ranging from annually to every four years depending on the revenue level. Restaurants with this special license can also sell sealed alcoholic beverage containers for off-premises consumption when accompanied by a food order, with specific packaging and transportation requirements. The bill maintains existing provisions about age verification for delivery, license revocation for non-compliance, and other regulatory details. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2026, and are intended to provide more flexibility for smaller food service establishments seeking to obtain an alcoholic beverage license.

Business and Industry

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/87