Bill > S0392

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 lowering the required seating and capacity from 120 to 80 persons. The bill maintains the existing requirement that these establishments must derive at least 51 percent of their gross food and beverage revenue from food and non-alcoholic beverages, with a staggered audit schedule based on the percentage of food sales. The changes aim to make it easier for smaller restaurants to obtain special beverage licenses, which allow them to serve alcoholic beverages on-premises and, under certain conditions, sell sealed alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption when accompanied by a food order. The bill specifies detailed requirements for such sales, including packaging, delivery, and age verification restrictions, and will take effect on July 1, 2026.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/392