Jacksonville, Fl: Beer Buying Curfew Explained

Florida's alcohol laws can be confusing, especially when it comes to the time restrictions on buying beer. While the state sets default hours for alcohol sales, counties and municipalities are allowed to implement their own rules, resulting in variations across different regions. So, if you're wondering how late you can buy beer in Jacksonville, Florida, the answer depends on the specific laws in that county.

In Jacksonville, you can buy beer until 2 a.m. every day

In Jacksonville, Florida, you can buy beer until 2 a.m. every day. This is because, in Florida, the legal time to stop selling alcohol varies depending on the day, the type of establishment, and the local law that can provide hours of sale. While Florida establishments typically don't sell, serve, or allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages between 12 a.m. and 7 a.m., some counties and cities have different regulations. For example, in Duval County, which includes Jacksonville, the cutoff time for alcohol sales is 2 a.m. every day of the week, including Sundays. This means that in Jacksonville, you can buy beer as late as 2 a.m., making it a great place to be if you're looking for a drink later in the night.

Florida grants its counties and municipalities the authority to make their own laws regarding alcohol sales, which can result in some variation across the state. While some counties stop selling alcohol at 1 a.m. or earlier, others, like Miami-Dade, allow sales from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m., and some retailers can even sell alcohol 24/7. This means that the specific hours of sale depend on the local laws of the county or city you're in.

It's important to note that Florida has strict penalties for violating alcohol laws, so it's crucial for both residents and visitors to be aware of the local regulations. For example, buying alcohol or attempting to buy alcohol with a forged ID can result in a maximum penalty of a $5,000 fine and up to five years in prison. Additionally, drinking alcohol in public is generally prohibited in Florida, and vendors are required to close whenever there is a riot gathering or mob nearby.

So, if you're in Jacksonville, you can rest assured that you can buy beer until 2 a.m. every day, but be sure to familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations to avoid any legal issues and drink responsibly.

Florida's alcohol sales laws are outlined in Florida Statutes Chapter 562

Beverage Law Enforcement:

Chapter 562 of the Florida Statutes outlines the regulations for beverage law enforcement. This includes provisions related to the possession of untaxed or improperly licensed beverages, storage on licensed premises, and the sale of alcoholic beverages only on licensed premises. It also covers topics such as the illegal transportation of beverages, selling or serving alcohol to minors, and penalties for violations.

Regulations for Minors:

Florida law prohibits the possession of alcoholic beverages by persons under the age of 21. This includes purchasing, consuming, or attempting to purchase alcohol with a forged ID. The consequences for violating these laws can be severe, including fines and jail time. Additionally, employees under the age of 18 are not allowed to sell or serve alcohol. However, minors are permitted in establishments where food sales comprise more than 50% of total sales, and there is no law prohibiting minors from sitting at a bar as long as they are not consuming alcohol.

Hours of Sale:

The hours during which alcohol can be sold in Florida vary depending on the county and municipality. The statewide default hours for alcohol sales are from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight) every day. However, counties and municipalities have the authority to enact their own hours of sale ordinances, resulting in variations across the state. For example, some counties allow alcohol sales from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. or 3:00 a.m., while others may have earlier closing times. Notably, Miami-Dade County permits 24/7 sales in certain areas.

Sunday Sales:

In Florida, alcohol can be purchased on Sundays, with sales typically beginning at 7:00 a.m. However, local ordinances may impose additional restrictions or regulations on Sunday sales, so it is advisable to check with local authorities for specific guidelines. Historically, some counties like Baker and Polk were dry on Sundays or had restrictions until noon, influenced by Blue Laws that prohibit certain activities on Sundays to observe the Christian Sabbath.

Retailer Variations:

The closing times for liquor stores in Florida also vary depending on the county and municipality. While the statewide default hours apply unless specified otherwise, many local jurisdictions have implemented their own restrictions or extensions. Therefore, it is essential to refer to the regulations of a specific county or municipality to determine the exact closing times for liquor stores and other alcohol retailers.

Local ordinances may impose additional restrictions on alcohol sales

In Jacksonville, Florida, the sale of alcohol is permitted between 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. any day of the week. This applies to liquor stores, gas stations, supermarkets, and bars and restaurants. However, local ordinances may impose additional restrictions or regulations on alcohol sales.

Local ordinances refer to laws or regulations that are specific to a particular city, county, or region. In the context of alcohol sales, local ordinances can include restrictions on the days and hours when alcohol can be sold, as well as other regulations such as zoning requirements or licensing rules. These ordinances are typically enacted by the local government, such as the city council or county commissioners, and they can vary significantly from one location to another.

In the case of Jacksonville, Florida, while the state law permits alcohol sales until 2:00 a.m., there may be additional local ordinances in place that further restrict the sale of alcohol. These could include restrictions on the number of alcohol licenses issued, zoning regulations that dictate where alcohol can be sold, or even dry counties or districts where alcohol sales are prohibited entirely.

For example, in some areas, local ordinances may prohibit the sale of alcohol within a certain distance of schools, churches, or other sensitive locations. There may also be regulations specific to certain types of establishments, such as bars, restaurants, or package stores. Additionally, local ordinances may impose stricter penalties for violations of alcohol sales regulations than what is outlined in state law.

It's important to note that local ordinances can change over time, and they may not always be widely publicized. Therefore, it's advisable to check with the local authorities or the relevant Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) board to understand the specific restrictions that may be in place in a particular area. These entities can provide the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding local ordinances and their impact on alcohol sales.

Drinking alcohol on public property is prohibited in Florida

In Florida, the legal drinking age is 21. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages, with limited exceptions for religious or medical purposes. Florida law prohibits drinking alcohol on public property, including streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and beaches. The prohibition also extends to private property if the owner has not given permission.

Florida Statute section 316.1936 establishes the law regarding open containers in motor vehicles. This law applies to open beverages and those with a broken seal. However, there is an exception for transporting leftover wine from a restaurant. In this case, the bottle must be placed in a secured bag or container with a dated receipt attached and stored in a locked glove compartment or the trunk of the car. If the vehicle has no trunk, the container must be placed behind the last upright seat.

While on private property in Florida, individuals can possess an open container. However, the law applies to motor vehicles on roads, highways, and alleys, as well as sidewalks. Even if a car is parked, individuals can still be in violation of the law. Additionally, passengers in a motor vehicle, including Uber and Lyft, are prohibited from possessing or consuming alcohol. The only exceptions are for passengers in commercial vehicles, such as buses or taxis, or in self-contained motor homes over 21 feet in length.

Public intoxication in Florida is also illegal and can result in legal consequences. The state defines this as being intoxicated and endangering the safety of another person or property, or drinking an alcoholic beverage in a public place and causing a disturbance. Violating these laws can result in being charged with a second-degree misdemeanor.

Florida grants municipalities the authority to make their own alcohol laws

Florida's alcohol laws are codified in its statute books and code sections, collectively referred to as the Beverage Law. This body of law includes F.S. Chs. 561-569 and F.A.C.R. 61A-1 through 61A-5.

Florida has a three-tier system for alcohol regulation, which establishes that there must be manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of beverage alcohol, and that these three tiers must remain separate (with limited exceptions).

While Florida has specified hours for the sale of alcohol, counties and municipalities are also allowed to set their own hours. The default hours for sale, consumption, or service of alcohol in Florida are 7:00 a.m. to midnight each day. However, certain counties are permitted to sell alcohol 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For example, in Jacksonville, Florida, the sale of alcohol is prohibited between 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. from Monday to Friday, and between 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

In addition to setting their own hours, municipalities in Florida can also impose additional restrictions or regulations on alcohol sales, such as prohibiting the sale of alcohol on Sundays.

Frequently asked questions