As a Florida business owner, it is important to comply with relevant regulations. If the authorities feel you haven’t, they might impose penalties that could harm your business. What can you do if you believe their assessment is wrong? Or, if you accept that you have...
Administrative Rule
Florida House Bill 523 could lead to big changes for the craft beverage industry
Currently in Florida, statute 564.05 sets limits regarding the size of individual wine containers that can be sold in the state. The statute limits individual wine containers to holding no more than one gallon of wine, unless the wine is in a reusable container – in...
Petition for Declaratory Statement filed by business seeking clarification on tobacco wrapping papers
Often in the alcoholic beverage industry, as well as adjacent industries, federal and state laws that should provide clarification instead lead to further confusion. It is not uncommon for businesses to need to seek clarification on how to proceed without violating...
DABT withdraws rule on items customarily sold in a restaurant
In a change that will likely be welcome to many in Florida’s restaurant industry, the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (DABT) withdrew its rule on items that are customarily sold in a restaurant. This rule was notoriously confusing and caused many questions...
TTB proposes changes to standards of fill for wine and spirits
On May 25, 2022, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau announced proposed changes to the standards of fill. It proposed ten additional authorized standards of fill for wine and all the related technical and "harmonizing" changes. Moreover, as an alternative, it...
There is new CBMA guidance on distilled spirits
There was recently updated guidance involving certain Craft Beverage Modernization Act (CBMA) provisions that directly apply to distilled spirits. These are in response to three frequently asked questions. How can we legally transfer distilled spirits in bond? The...
What makes the right wine bottle label?
Marketing is a crucial part of the business plan for those who make goods. This seems especially true among winemakers who strive to make their wine bottles look elegant, distinctive and (most importantly) memorable. Of course, the goods inside the bottle must also...
Petition for Declaratory Statement granted for client seeking to serve alcoholic beverages at catered events
Those in the alcoholic beverage industry across Florida can feel somewhat cornered into their section of the industry. Many times, this is not necessarily a bad thing. It gives businesses a chance to excel at something they’re good at and simplifies the notoriously...
There are new rules for alcohol industry paperwork
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco announced changes to how alcoholic beverage businesses file their paperwork. There will be new regulations surrounding the monthly reports and excise taxes...
Declaratory statement petitions are not a simple request
The alcohol industry is more regulated than most. So, alcoholic beverage businesses should check liquor laws and regulations before proceeding with any project that involves public sales or services. For example, a liquor store or alcoholic beverage importer may wish...