The bill amends Florida Statutes to authorize certain malt beverage manufacturers to sell and deliver their products directly to vendors if they produce less than 31,000 gallons annually. This provision is included in a new subsection added to section 561.42, which clarifies that such transactions are not prohibited under the Beverage Law. Additionally, the bill introduces a new subsection to section 563.022, allowing manufacturers to terminate, cancel, nonrenew, or discontinue franchise agreements under specific conditions, including the requirement for written notice to distributors within designated timeframes. These actions will not be considered violations of existing unlawful acts and practices provisions.

Furthermore, the bill empowers the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco to determine a manufacturer's yearly production amount upon request, with such determinations serving as prima facie evidence of production levels. The bill also includes a conforming amendment to section 561.221 to update cross-references related to these changes. The provisions of this act will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 499 Filed: 561.37, 563.02, 563.022