Division of Alcoholic beverages and tobacco

Bureau of Licensing

The Bureau of Licensing is responsible for the issuance of all alcoholic beverage licenses and cigarette or other tobacco product permits, and for the maintenance of all records pertaining to these licenses throughout the state. Florida law requires that licenses may only be issued to persons who are at least twenty-one years of age, are of good moral character, and who have not been convicted of certain criminal offenses within a prescribed period of time. This bureau determines if a license will be issued based upon the qualifications of the applicant, whether the premise meets all requirements based upon the type of license applied for, and whether the location is properly zoned.

Each applicant completes a detailed application form with the assistance of the field office staff. The application is reviewed, and if necessary, a detailed background investigation is conducted by the law enforcement bureau. The decision on whether to issue a license is based on a review of the application and information gathered. Licensing's central office staff then reviews or audits each license package and performs a microfilm history check on each applicant or interested party to the license. Further, all license renewals are performed by the central staff, and divided so that approximately 50% of the renewals are performed during a six month period. In addition to reviewing and processing new applications, renewals and transfers, Licensing also conducts the annual double random selection Quota Licensing drawing as pursuant to Section 561.19(2), Florida statutes. This law provides for the issuing of new licenses in counties where the population has increased based on the 1980 census figures or based upon estimates of increasing population.

Aside from the above, the Bureau also performs brand registration of all alcoholic beverages, the registration of all salesman for spirituous beverages and wines, and the issuance of cooperative pool buying approvals, wholesale alcoholic beverage licenses, wholesale cigarette and other tobacco products permits, retail cigarette and other tobacco products permits, common carrier licenses for airplanes, trains, boats and other vehicle permits.

Bureau Chief:

• Marie Fraher