In Florida, the counties and the number of liquor licenses available through the quota license lottery change yearly. The 2024 application window was from August 19 to October 2. The drawing for the 2024 quota beverage licenses takes place a couple of months after the entry period closes, but the exact date for the drawing and the announcement of the winners is yet to be determined. Typically, the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (DABT) announces the results several months after the entry period ends. If you entered in the lottery, keep an eye out for updates.
The 2024 counties and their liquor license numbers
The state’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (DABT) announces the counties where individuals can enter the lottery to win a quota license. In 2024, there were 54 licenses available across 32 counties. Here is the breakdown from 2024:
Alachua: 1, Bay: 1, Brevard: 2, Broward: 1, Charlotte: 1, Citrus: 1, Clay: 1, Collier: 1, Dade: 1, Duval: 4, Escambia: 1, Flagler: 1, Hernando: 1, Hillsborough: 2, Indian River: 1, Lake: 2, Leon: 1, Manatee: 2, Marion: 2, Okaloosa: 1, Orange: 1, Osceola: 2, Palm Beach: 2, Pasco: 2, Polk: 7, Santa Rosa: 1, Sarasota: 2, St. Johns: 2, St. Lucie: 3, Sumter: 2, Volusia: 1 and Walton: 1.
Trends: Looking at three counties
Let’s take a closer look at Hillsborough, Orange and Broward counties to show how the numbers change from year to year and the unpredictability of the lottery system:
- Hillsborough County (Tampa): In 2024, 2 quota licenses were available through the lottery, and 6 licenses were available in 2023.
- Orange County (Orlando): In 2024, there was 1 quota license available, while in 2023, there were 7 licenses.
- Broward County (Weston): In 2024, there was 1 license available, compared to 3 in 2023.
The changing numbers reflect population and other factors.
Buying a license
If you don’t win a quota license through the lottery, there are other ways to obtain a license. You can purchase an existing license from a current license holder. This process involves negotiating a price and transferring the license through the DABT. The license cost can be quite high, depending on the demand in the area.
Another option is to apply for a special license, such as a restaurant license, which has different requirements and may be easier to obtain. These licenses are typically available to establishments that meet specific conditions, such as having a minimum number of seats and deriving a certain percentage of revenue from food sales.
Need help with your liquor license issue?
The Florida liquor license lottery offers a chance to obtain a quota license, but the availability and number of licenses can vary each year. Those looking outside the lottery system can also contact the firm to explore alternative options. We are here to increase your chances of getting a license.