The anticipation surrounding the Florida Quota Alcoholic Beverage License Drawing culminated on April 8, 2025, when hopeful applicants gathered virtually to witness the lottery’s outcome. This annual event, organized by the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (DABT), offers business owners a chance to secure a coveted quota license. The process is competitive due to the high demand for these licenses across Florida.
Winners announced
This year’s drawing distributed 54 quota licenses across 32 counties. The selection process was transparent, ensuring fairness through a double-random drawing method. Below is a summary of the winners.
Counties with more than three winners:
- Polk County: Seven winners
- Duval County: Four winners
- St. Lucie County: Three winners
Counties with two winners:
- Brevard County
- Hillsborough County
- Osceola County
- Palm County
- Pasco County
- Sarasota County
- St. Johns County
- Sumter County
Counties with one winner:
- Alachua County
- Bay County
- Broward County
- Charlotte County
- Citrus County
- Clay County
- Collier County
- Dade County
- Escambia County
- Flagler County
- Hernando County
- Okaloosa County
- Orange County
- Santa Rosa County
- Volusia County
- Walton County
The distribution of quota licenses across Florida’s counties marks a key moment for the winning business owners. As winners start to fulfill the requirements and utilize their licenses, they open doors to new opportunities in the hospitality sector.
Next steps
Winners have received certified letters from the DABT, outlining the next steps. They must act promptly, as they have 45 days to submit their applications and fulfill all requirements to obtain the quota license. The letter includes details on necessary fees and documentation. Once verified, winners can choose to use the license for their own business ventures or potentially sell it.
For those who missed out this year, the opportunity to participate in the next lottery is approaching. The entry period for the next drawing will open on August 18, 2025, and remain open for 45 days. Applicants should prepare to submit their entries either online or via paper form, ensuring compliance with all submission guidelines. The quota license lottery remains a promising avenue for those eager to enter the liquor business in Florida, offering a more affordable alternative to purchasing licenses elsewhere.
Securing a quota license through Florida’s lottery system is a significant milestone for any business owner. It provides a unique opportunity to expand services and tap into the lucrative market of alcoholic beverage sales. As the next entry period approaches, hopeful applicants are encouraged to prepare, keeping in mind the transformative potential of winning a quota license.