Opening a bar can be a good investment, especially in Florida, where the state offers a profitable environment for leisure and hospitality businesses. But if you’re lucky enough to find a bar for sale, you may wonder if the license will be automatically transferred after you purchase the bar.
Fortunately, the transfer of liquor licenses is permitted in Florida. In fact, having a seller transfer their license to you is the most convenient way to get a license quickly. This is because you won’t have to go through a long waiting period.
Be clear about the type of license you want
There are different types of liquor licenses in Florida, and you may get confused about the exact type of license you will need for your new business. For example, when opening up a bar, you may need to get a quota – 8COP/ 7COP/ 6COP/ 5COP/ 4COP liquor license. These types of liquor licenses will allow you to sell beer, liquor or wine for on-premises consumption. Such licenses also permit you to sell beer, wine or liquor in sealed containers for off-premises consumption.
Person-to-person liquor license transfers
Getting a liquor license transferred to you by the license holder is usually a simple process referred to as a person-to-person trans. However, you will need to file an application with the DBPR and complete the necessary transfer forms. Depending on the license type, you may be required to pay an transfer fee of up to $5,000.
Aside from the transfer fee, there are other requirements for a liquor license transfer which include the following:
- Fingerprints
- Certified copies of arrest disposition if you have a criminal record
- A sketch of the business premises
- Business registration number and employer’s identification number
Owning a bar is a unique life experience. However, before you can get everything running, seek legal guidance to help ensure full legal compliance.