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 in section 563.022 that allows manufacturers to terminate, cancel, nonrenew, or discontinue franchise agreements under specific conditions, including the requirement for written notice to the distributor 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 reflect these changes. The new regulations will apply to all franchise agreements entered into on or after July 1, 2025, and the bill is set to take effect on that date.

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