The ability to play golf year round makes Florida a natural golf destination. With more than 1,100 courses throughout the state, the Sunshine State sees more than 40 million rounds of golf played each year by both locals and tourists.
While golf is a lucrative industry, club owners have many rules and regulations to stay up to date on. Notably, clubs that serve alcohol to members must comply with alcoholic beverage regulations. This means not only operating within the scope of their beverage license, but also staying compliant with new rules.
Florida’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (DABT) recently announced a new rule affecting Florida golf clubs. What do clubs and business owners need to know about this rule change?
New rule affects the purchase of single-serve bottles
In July 2025, the DABT published a notice affecting licensed Florida golf clubs, which allows golf clubs to purchase “airplane” bottles, or small, single-serving bottles, primarily for sale on the course. The new rule states that spirits may be purchased only in individual containers, which may not be larger than 1.75 liters or smaller than 0.50 liter. The exception to this is golf clubs licensed in accordance with s. 561.20(7)(b). These clubs may purchase alcohol containers that are 50 milliliters or 1.7 ounces.
Licensing requirements for Florida golf clubs
To serve alcohol legally, your club must hold the proper license. Private golf clubs operate under the 11CG license, which permits the sale of alcohol on club premises to only members and nonresident guests. To qualify for this license, clubs must:
- Have had a continuous presence and active operations for at least two years in the Florida county where it is located;
- Be comprised of at least nine holes, a clubhouse, locker rooms and facilities for attendants; and
- Own or lease at least 35 acres of land.
Municipality-owned golf clubs may apply for the 11CG-PC license, which also permits the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises only.
Practical steps to keep your Florida golf club compliant
Maintaining compliance with licensing requirements and rule changes protects your golf club from legal issues and operational disruptions. Take these proactive steps:
- Update policies and procedures: When rule changes are issued, promptly update your documentation.
- Train your staff: Ensure employees understand permitted sales and service practices.
- Keep accurate records: Document purchases, sales and inventory for audits.
Follow these steps and monitor updates to reduce risk, stay compliant and protect your club. Even with these precautions, navigating alcohol regulations can still be complex.
Why legal guidance matters
Staying compliant involves more than familiarity with the law. It requires proper licensing, staff training, accurate recordkeeping and updated policies and procedures, all aligned with current regulations. Even experienced club owners can find these requirements difficult to manage.
An attorney experienced in alcoholic beverage law can help you navigate regulatory changes and avoid costly penalties. Being proactive and seeking the assistance of a Florida alcoholic beverage law attorney can help your club operate smoothly while offering a safe and enjoyable experience for members and guests.