Buying Beer In Florida: What's The Deal?

Florida's alcohol laws can be confusing, especially when it comes to buying beer. The state doesn't have any stipulations on Sunday alcohol sales, but individual counties can set their own laws, with some limiting sale hours on Sundays. Beer can be bought in Florida at bars, restaurants, package and liquor stores, breweries, taprooms, and even gas stations and grocery stores. The hours for buying beer vary by county, but generally, it's available from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily. Florida also has some unique laws regarding beer containers and to-go sales.

Florida's statewide default hours for buying beer

While Florida has specified hours for the sale of alcohol, individual counties and municipalities are also allowed to set their own rules and regulations. This means that the exact times you can buy beer will depend on the particular county and local ordinances. Some counties may have unique rules affecting closing hours or special event exemptions. For instance, Miami-Dade County is one of the few counties that allow 24-hour alcohol sales, seven days a week.

Therefore, it is always advisable to check with local authorities and specific county regulations to be aware of any variations or additional restrictions governing the sale of beer.

County-specific hours for buying beer

Florida's alcohol laws can be confusing, especially when it comes to the county-specific hours for buying beer. While the state has specified hours for the sale of alcohol, counties and municipalities are allowed to set their own hours and regulations. This means that the time at which you can buy beer will depend on the county you're in.

Here's a breakdown of the county-specific hours for buying beer in Florida:

• Miami-Dade County: Miami-Dade is one of the few counties in Florida that permits 24-hour alcohol sales, seven days a week. This means you can buy beer at any time in this county.
• Polk County: In Polk County, you can now purchase beer and wine as early as 7 a.m. on Sundays. This change was made after county commissioners voted to extend the hours. Previously, certain parts of the county had more restricted hours and could not buy alcohol until noon on Sundays.
• Baker County: Baker County previously had restrictions on alcohol sales on Sundays, but it is unclear if these restrictions have changed. It is always a good idea to check with local authorities for specific guidelines.
• Broward County: In Broward County, on-premise and off-premise retailers are prohibited from selling alcohol before noon.
• Unincorporated Miami-Dade County: In unincorporated areas of Miami-Dade County, package stores are prohibited from selling alcohol on Sundays.
• City of Miami: Within the city limits of Miami, package stores may sell alcohol between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., while retailers may serve alcohol from noon until 3 a.m.

It's important to note that these are just a few examples, and there may be variations in other counties and municipalities within Florida. To be sure of the specific regulations, it's recommended to check the official websites of the respective counties or contact the local Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) board.

Where you can buy beer in Florida

Beer can be purchased in Florida at convenience, supermarket, and retail stores. The sale of beer is restricted to certain times, depending on the county and municipality.

Where to Buy Beer in Florida

In Florida, beer can be purchased at convenience stores, supermarkets, and retail stores. However, spirits or liquors are only sold in retail package stores.

When You Can Buy Beer in Florida

The sale of beer in Florida is restricted to certain times, and these restrictions vary depending on the county and municipality. Typically, alcohol sales are prohibited between 12 a.m. and 7 a.m., but some Florida municipalities allow alcohol sales until 3 a.m. Certain counties, like Miami-Dade, permit 24-hour alcohol sales, seven days a week.

Legal Age for Consuming and Serving Alcohol in Florida

It is important to note that the legal age to purchase and consume alcohol in Florida is 21 years or older. Violation of this law can result in penalties, including fines and jail time. Additionally, buying alcohol with a forged ID or lending someone an ID can lead to legal consequences, including fines and revocation of licenses.

Drinking laws in Florida

Florida's drinking laws are extensive and detailed. Here is a summary of some of the key points:

Purchasing Alcohol

In Florida, you can buy beer, wine, and liqueurs at convenience stores, supermarkets, and retail stores. Spirits or liquors are sold only in retail package stores. The legal drinking age in Florida is 21, and presenting a false ID is a criminal offence with a maximum penalty of a $5,000 fine and 5 years in prison.

Serving Alcohol

Alcohol can be served to those over the age of 21 in Florida. Employees must be at least 18 to work in areas serving alcohol, and those under 18 are not allowed to sell or serve alcohol.

Opening Hours

Generally, alcohol cannot be sold, served, or consumed on licensed premises between midnight and 7 am. However, this varies by county and municipality, with some allowing 24-hour sales, and others allowing sales until 2 am or 3 am.

Drinking in Public

Drinking on public property is prohibited in Florida, including streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and beaches. This also applies to private property if the owner has not given permission.

To-Go Alcohol Sales

Florida passed a law in 2021 allowing to-go alcohol sales from restaurants, as long as the drinks are securely sealed and placed in transparent bags. The purchase of alcohol must be accompanied by a food order, making up at least 40% of the total charge.

Growler Policy

Florida has a unique growler policy, where beer can be sold in containers smaller than 32 ounces or larger than 128 ounces. The standard 64-ounce growler is not permitted.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

In Florida, the BAC limit for drivers under the age of 21 is 0.02.

Beer delivery in Florida

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Florida government temporarily authorised restaurants to sell alcohol for takeout or home delivery, which has led to a broader discussion about which vendors can deliver alcohol to consumers' homes. Licensed alcohol vendors can deliver beer, wine, or distilled spirits to consumers' homes, according to Florida Statutes Section 561.57. This means that any vendor licensed to sell alcohol for consumption off-premises can deliver those products.

However, breweries and distilleries are not allowed to make home deliveries in Florida. This is due to statutory limitations placed on exceptions to the state's Three Tier System, which usually keeps manufacturers, distributors, and vendors separate. Wineries, cideries, and meaderies, on the other hand, can make home deliveries if they have a vendor license.

It's important to note that Florida has specific laws regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol. For example, alcohol cannot be sold between 12 a.m. and 7 a.m., except in certain counties that allow sales until 3 a.m. or 24 hours a day. Additionally, Florida drinking laws prohibit drinking on public property, including streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and beaches.

Frequently asked questions