If you’re interested in starting a business in the hospitality industry, or are looking to branch out into serving alcohol in an establishment you already have, you are likely at the stage of researching how to obtain a Florida quota liquor license.
As this is a process most have never been through before you’re likely to have many questions about how things work. What exactly is a quota license? How do I get one? Below are some answers to common questions.
What is a quota license?
Simply put, a quota license allows you to sell alcoholic beverages in your establishment. This enables you to serve wine, beer and other liquor. It is called a “quota” license as there are only so many of them available per state. The number of licenses available varies from state to state.
How to obtain a license
If there are only so many available, how do you get one? Unfortunately, there is no way to simply apply for a quota license in Florida. Instead, there are two ways in which you can obtain a highly sought-after quota license:
- Buy an existing license from someone who is looking to sell. When another business owner is closing down or retiring, they will no longer need their quota license. As a result, it becomes available for them to sell on to someone who is looking to buy. This can be a costly process and working with an attorney can help protect your interests throughout the transaction.
- Enter the quota license lottery drawing. Each year there is a lottery drawing for quota licenses that typically opens at the end of the summer. As the name suggests, it’s a gamble as to whether you’ll be successful. There are several conditions that need to be met before you can enter. Prior to opening the drawing, the state lists the counties that have quota licenses available, as well as the number of licenses available in each county.
If you are new to the industry, the process of obtaining a quota license can feel overwhelming and can be made easier with knowledgeable legal assistance.