Obtaining a liquor license in Florida can be confusing and time-consuming. Identifying an ideal license, reviewing the required documentation, and properly filing out the forms before submitting them to the state licensing agency is not easy task.
In this article, you will understand the benefits of the 2COP license in Florida.
Applying for a Liquor License in Florida – The Fundamentals
Selling, distributing, or manufacturing alcohol are regulated activities in Florida. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) controls the issuance of licenses through the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT).
The existing types of licenses vary broadly, but it is possible to classify them into four major categories:
- Manufacturer licenses
- Distributor licenses
- Seller’s permits
- Special licenses
Florida liquor licenses are mostly obtained through a lottery system, which distributes licenses to applicants based on the population of each county. A quota license is one of a specific number of licenses available per county.
The amount paid to obtain a quota license and the maintenance fees vary from county to county. While it is possible to obtain a license through the state lottery system, many business owners prefer to purchase an existing license.
Considering the limited number of existing licenses, the amount paid can increase significantly depending on the type of license.
What is a 2COP License in Florida?
The 2COP license is part of the “Beer and Wine” category, which consists of the following licenses:
- 1APS (Beer Packages Sales)
- 1COP (Beer Consumption on Premise)
- 2APS (Beer and Wine Package Sales)
- 2COP (Beer and Wine Consumption on Premise)
This license applies to the sale of beer and wine “only for sale by the drink for consumption of premises or in sealed container for package sales.”
The annual license fees vary depending on the population of the county where the licensee wants to operate. In most counties, the annual fee is $392 for permanent licenses (one year) and $196 for temporary licenses.
Do I Need a Licensing Attorney to Obtain a 2COP License in Florida?
Florida law does not necessarily require business owners seeking liquor licensing to hire an attorney when applying with the DBPR. However, this is the best strategy to ensure a successful outcome.
While the licensing fees might seem costly at first glance, failing to identify the proper license for a business or mistakes made during the application process will likely result in financial loss and unnecessary headaches.
Instead of going through risks with a trial-and-error approach, the most effective way to obtain a 2COP license in Florida is by relying on the guidance of a well-versed legal advisor.
After assessing your case and identifying whether this license is an ideal choice, an attorney will determine whether you should apply for the quota license lottery or purchase an existing license.
In either case, a licensing attorney will handle the required paperwork, gather and organize the supporting documentation, and prevent any non-compliance issues that might jeopardize the application.
Do You Want to Obtain a Liquor License in Florida? – Immediately Seek Expert Legal Guidance
Waste no time with uncertainty. Contact Florida Attorney Romy B. Jurado today by calling (305) 921-0976 or emailing [email protected] to find the best licensing strategy for your case.
