Buying Beer In Hernando County: Legal Hours Explained

Florida's alcohol laws can be confusing, especially when it comes to purchasing beer. While the state sets default hours for alcohol sales, each county and municipality in Florida is allowed to set its own hours and regulations. Hernando County, in particular, may have its own specific rules regarding the sale of beer. Generally, in Florida, beer can be sold for off-premises consumption 24/7, although local ordinances may restrict the hours for off-premises sales. On-premises sales of beer are typically permitted from 7:00 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week, but local governments can further restrict these hours. Understanding the specific regulations in Hernando County is essential for complying with the law and ensuring that you can legally purchase beer at the desired time.

Hernando County liquor license

In Hernando County, Florida, there are specific requirements and regulations that must be followed when applying for a liquor license. Whether you are starting a new business or expanding your current offerings, it is important to understand the process and requirements for obtaining a liquor license.

To obtain a liquor license in Hernando County, you must first complete an application. This application process can be complex and time-consuming, and it is crucial to ensure that your application is complete and accurate to avoid delays or rejection. The application must include essential documents such as a sketch of your location, contracts for management, related party personal information, health or H&R approval (for consumption on-premise), and a completed application form.

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you will need to submit your application to the Hernando County Zoning Office for approval. Each municipality has its own unique requirements and procedures for zoning approval, so it is recommended to consult with specialists who can guide you through the specific requirements for your intended location.

There are different types of liquor licenses available in Hernando County, depending on the type of business you operate. The Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco offers a range of licenses, including those for packaged beer sales only, packaged beer and wine sales, on-premise consumption, and full bar service. The fees for these licenses vary, with annual fees ranging from $140 for a standard license to sell packaged beer to $1,820 for a fully stocked bar license.

In addition to the standard licenses, there are also special licenses for restaurants and hotels. Special restaurant licenses are issued to businesses with a minimum of 2,000 square feet of floor space, seats for 150 patrons, and a bona fide restaurant that derives at least 51% of its gross revenue from food and non-alcoholic beverage sales. Special hotel licenses are provided to establishments such as hotels, motor courts, and motels that earn at least 51% of their gross revenue from rentals and have a minimum of 100 guest rooms.

The process of buying or selling a liquor license in Hernando County can be simplified by engaging the services of a brokerage company, such as Liquor License Florida, which offers expertise and assistance throughout the entire process. They can help with navigating the various state and local governmental agencies that need to be contacted, ensuring tax payments are up to date, and facilitating the transfer of licenses.

Hernando County zoning office

The Hernando County Zoning Division administers the county's zoning codes, reviews site plans for residential and commercial building and zoning permits, and provides zoning information to the public. The Zoning Division can be contacted at:

Zoning Division

1653 Blaise Dr Brooksville, FL 34601

Phone: (352) 754-4048

Email: ZoningDepartment@HernandoCounty.us

Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM

The Hernando County Zoning Office handles applications for alcoholic beverage licenses and temporary permits. The application process for an alcoholic beverage license can be long and tedious, and it is important to have a professional team to facilitate and monitor the licensing process. The zoning office can be contacted at:

789 Providence Blvd. Brooksville, FL 34601

Phone: (352) 754-4048, Ext. 29117

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Lobby Hours: 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM

To obtain an alcoholic beverage license in Hernando County, a completed application must be submitted to the zoning office. The application must include several essential documents, such as a sketch of the location, contracts for management, related party personal information, health or H&R approval (for consumption on-premise), and a completed application form. It is important to ensure that the application is complete and correct to avoid delays or rejection.

Once the application is accepted and processed, an on-site inspection may be required to ensure compliance with state requirements. The approval process for wet zoning, which is required for alcoholic beverage sales in Hernando County, can take one to three months.

Beer sales in Florida

Florida's alcohol laws can be confusing, especially when it comes to the time you can buy beer. While the state sets default hours for alcohol sales, it's important to note that the specific rules and regulations can vary by county and municipality.

In Hernando County, Florida, the process of obtaining a liquor license involves multiple steps and compliance with both state and county regulations. The Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco offers a range of licenses depending on the type of business. For example, a standard license allows the sale of packaged beer for an annual fee, but on-site consumption is not permitted. On the other hand, a comprehensive liquor store license permits the sale of all types of liquor, but only for off-premise consumption.

The sale of beer in Florida is permitted from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m., seven days a week. However, certain counties and municipalities have the authority to set their own hours, which means that the permitted hours for beer sales can vary across different areas of the state. For instance, in some counties, alcohol can be purchased until 2 a.m. or even 3 a.m. On Sundays, the sale of beer may be further restricted by local ordinances, with some counties prohibiting sales before noon.

It's worth noting that package stores, which are typically open Monday through Saturday, are not allowed to sell alcohol on Sundays. Additionally, Florida drinking laws prohibit the consumption of alcohol on public property, including streets, sidewalks, and beaches, without explicit permission from the property owner.

Liquor laws in Florida

Florida has a variety of liquor laws that govern the sale, consumption, and distribution of alcoholic beverages. These laws can sometimes be confusing, as they vary from county to county and even city to city. Here is a comprehensive overview of the liquor laws in Florida, including the specific regulations in Hernando County.

Purchasing Alcohol in Florida:

In Florida, beer, wine, and liqueurs can be purchased in convenience stores, supermarkets, and retail stores. Spirits or liquors, on the other hand, are typically sold in retail package stores. The legal drinking age in Florida is 21 years old, and a valid ID is required to purchase alcohol. It is illegal to buy or attempt to buy alcohol with a forged ID, and the penalty for doing so can include a maximum prison sentence of five years and a fine of up to $5,000.

Hours of Sale:

Generally, bars and restaurants in Florida stop serving alcohol between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. However, it's important to note that certain counties and municipalities have different regulations. For example, some counties allow 24-hour sales, seven days a week, while others may have extended hours until 2:00 a.m. or 3:00 a.m. or even earlier closing times.

Sunday Sales:

In Florida, alcohol can be purchased on Sundays starting at 7:00 a.m. However, this may vary depending on local ordinances, as some counties previously restricted alcohol sales on Sundays until noon due to Blue Laws, which are laws that restrict activity on Sundays to observe the Christian Sabbath.

Liquor Licenses:

Obtaining a liquor license in Florida can be a complex process, and it varies depending on the type of business and the county. The Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco offers a range of licenses, including those for packaged beer and wine, full bars, and restaurants. The cost of these licenses can range from $140 to $1,820 annually. The application process typically involves submitting various documents, such as sketches of the location, contracts, and health approvals.

Open Container Laws:

Florida has strict open container laws that prohibit the possession of open containers of alcohol in vehicles. This includes both drivers and passengers. An open container is defined as a container of alcohol that has been opened or the seal of which has been broken. Additionally, any previously opened bottles of alcohol must be transported in the trunk of a vehicle.

Size Restrictions on Wine Bottles:

Florida has a unique law that places a size limit on wine bottles. According to Florida Statute 564.05, it is unlawful to sell wine in containers holding more than one gallon (or about 3.8 liters) unless it is in a reusable container holding 5.16 gallons. This law also outlines specific types of champagne bottles that are prohibited, such as the Rehoboam, Methuselah, and Salmanazar.

Alcohol Sales During Hurricanes:

Another interesting aspect of Florida's liquor laws is the governor's power to ban alcohol sales and distribution ahead of an expected hurricane. This is done to discourage drinking during the preparation for or evacuation from a hurricane.

Liquor Laws in Hernando County:

Hernando County, Florida, has its own set of regulations and requirements for obtaining an alcoholic beverage license. In addition to the standard state rules and regulations, Hernando County has unique applications and procedures. The process involves submitting an application to the Hernando County Zoning Office and obtaining zoning approval. The county also offers temporary permits for one, two, or three-day events and has specific requirements for wet zoning approval, which can take one to three months.

Hernando County, Tampa

The laws surrounding alcohol sales in Florida can be confusing, as they vary by county and municipality. In Hernando County, Tampa, there is an additional requirement for wet zoning approval, which can be a lengthy and onerous process, taking one to three months. This is a requirement to get approval for alcoholic beverage sales for your intended location.

In Florida, establishments typically don't sell, serve, or allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages between 12 a.m. and 7 a.m. However, in some municipalities, customers can purchase alcohol until 2 a.m. or even 3 a.m. Retailers are not permitted to sell alcohol at any time between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m., seven days a week.

In Hernando County, beer can be sold for off-premises consumption 24/7, although Sunday sales may be restricted by local ordinance. The hours for on-premises sales of beer are 7 a.m. to 12 a.m., seven days a week. These hours can be further restricted, but not extended, by local ordinance.

Package stores (off-premises sales) in Florida are typically open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and are not allowed to open on Sundays or Christmas Day. On-premises permittees may sell alcoholic beverages between 10 a.m. and 12 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and until 1 a.m. on New Year's Eve.

It's important to note that these laws may vary by county and municipality, so it's always a good idea to check with local authorities for specific guidelines.

Frequently asked questions