The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has opened the entry period for the 2025 Quota Beverage License Drawing. The Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT) announced that applications will be accepted through October 1, 2025, at 5 p.m. EST via the department’s online portal.
This year, there are 52 new quota beverage licenses available across 26 counties in Florida. These include Bay, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Dade, Duval, Hendry, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie and Volusia counties.
According to DBPR: “Each year, new quota beverage licenses are issued to businesses in counties with an increased population, with one new license created for every population increase of 7,500 in each county. This creates an accessible pathway for businesses to become licensed to serve a full range of alcoholic beverages including beer wine and spirits.”
Applicants selected from the drawing will have the opportunity to apply for a license in their chosen county.
The ABT program distributes more than $31 million annually to support public health and community initiatives throughout Florida. Fees collected from entities receiving new quota liquor licenses are allocated to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) under the Hughs Act. For fiscal year 2024-2025 $559000 was transferred to DCF for alcohol and drug abuse education treatment and prevention programs.
“Through ABT’s programming including the quota license drawing the Department distributes more than $31 million dollars to various programs each year ensuring that critical funding reaches a broad range of public health and community initiatives throughout Florida. Specifically related to the Quota Beverage License fees collected from entities that receive a new quota liquor license are allocated to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to support the Hughs Act. For fiscal year 2024-2025 a total of $559000 in Hughes Act funds was transferred to DCF for alcohol and drug abuse education treatment and prevention programs.”
Those seeking further information about entering can contact their local Division of Alcoholic Beverage and Tobacco District Office or visit MyFloridaLicense.com.