Understanding The Types Of Liquor Licenses In Florida
If you plan to sell alcohol in Florida, obtaining the correct liquor license is essential for legal operation. Florida offers various types of liquor licenses depending on the type of business, the alcohol being sold, and the method of sale. Whether you own a convenience store, restaurant, bar, or nightclub, choosing the right license will ensure compliance with state laws and help your business thrive. Contact us today for more information.
At Liquor License Outlet, we understand that the process of obtaining a liquor license in Florida can be daunting. That’s why we’re here to help. We offer a variety of services, including pre-qualification, application assistance, andlicense transfers, to help you secure the right liquor license efficiently.
Below, we break down the Types Of Liquor Licenses In Florida to help you determine which one best suits your business needs.
Retail Liquor Licenses In Florida
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1APS License (Beer Only – Off-Premises Consumption)
The 1APS license is ideal for convenience stores and grocery stores that wish to sell beer for off-premises consumption. This means customers can purchase beer but cannot consume it on the premises. If you own a small retail business and want to expand your offerings by adding beer sales, this is the perfect option.
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2APS License (Beer And Wine – Off-Premises Consumption)
The 2APS license allows businesses to sell both beer and wine for off-premises consumption. This license is often obtained by convenience stores, grocery stores, and other retail establishments that want to offer customers a wider selection of alcoholic beverages.
Benefits Of A 2APS License:
- Increased product selection for customers
- Potential for higher revenue due to alcohol sales
- Opportunity to attract more foot traffic to your store
On-Premises Consumption Liquor Licenses
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1COP License (Beer And Wine – On-Premises Consumption)
The 1COP license allows restaurants and bars to sell beer and wine for consumption on the premises. This is a common license for businesses that want to serve alcoholic beverages with meals but do not intend to sell hard liquor.
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2COP License (Beer, Wine, And Spirits – On-Premises Consumption)
A 2COP license is typically issued to restaurants, bars, and other dining establishments that serve food. This license permits the sale of beer and wine for on-premises consumption.
Why Is It Called A “Two-Cop” License?
The name “two-cop” comes from a regulation requiring that at least two licensed employees be on the premises at all times while alcohol is being sold or consumed.
Quota And Full Liquor Licenses
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3PS License (Full Liquor License – Off-Premises Consumption)
A 3PS liquor license is required for any business that sells all types of alcohol, including beer, wine, and spirits, for off-premises consumption. This includes liquor stores and package stores.
In Florida, quota licenses are required for businesses that sell spirits for off-premises consumption. Since there are a limited number of quota licenses available, businesses often purchase them from existing license holders, which can be expensive.
4COP License (Full Liquor License – On-Premises Consumption)
A 4COP license is a full liquor license that allows businesses to sell beer, wine, and spirits for on-premises consumption. This is the most comprehensive license for businesses that serve alcohol.
Businesses That Typically Require A 4COP License:
- Bars
- Nightclubs
- Full-service restaurants
- Lounges
Since 4COP licenses are quota-based, acquiring one can be costly and competitive. However, businesses that qualify for a Special Food Service (SFS) 4COP License can obtain a liquor license without needing to purchase a quota license. To qualify, a business must:
- Have at least 2,500 square feet of service area
- Maintain a minimum seating capacity of 150 patrons
- Generate at least 51% of its revenue from food sales
Choosing The Right Liquor License For Your Business
No matter what type of business you’re opening, securing the right liquor license is crucial to legally serving alcohol. However, with so many different types of licenses available, it can be difficult to determine which one is best for your needs.
At Liquor License Outlet, we specialize in helping business owners navigate the licensing process. With over 50 years of combined experience in the hospitality industry, our team understands the challenges of getting a liquor license approved.
Why Work With Liquor License Outlet?
Obtaining a liquor license in Florida can be complex, time-consuming, and expensive—especially when dealing with quota licenses. At Liquor License Outlet, we simplify the process by offering expert guidance and assistance at every step.
Our Services Include:
- Expert Consultation: We help you determine the best liquor license for your business.
- Application Assistance: We handle the paperwork and ensure your application is complete and accurate.
- Fast Approval For Non-Quota Licenses: Our team helps expedite the licensing process.
- Quota License Purchases: We connect buyers with current license holders to facilitate purchases.
- Compliance Support: We provide ongoing assistance to ensure your business stays compliant with Florida’s alcohol laws.
Get Started Today
If you need help securing your Florida liquor license, Liquor License Outlet is here to assist you. Our team will guide you through the process and help you obtain the right license quickly and efficiently.
📞 Contact us today at (561) 827-1111 to discuss your licensing needs and get started with your application!