The bill amends section 561.20 of the Florida Statutes to revise the criteria for issuing special beverage licenses to bona fide food service establishments. Specifically, it reduces the minimum service area from 2,000 square feet to 1,200 square feet and lowers the required capacity for serving meals from 120 persons to 80 persons. Additionally, the bill stipulates that these establishments must derive at least 51 percent of their gross revenue from the sale of food and nonalcoholic beverages during specified operating periods. The bill also outlines the conditions under which these establishments can sell or deliver alcoholic beverages in sealed containers for off-premises consumption, emphasizing compliance with various regulations regarding packaging and delivery.

The bill further clarifies that a food service establishment granted a special license cannot operate as a package store and must adhere to strict revenue requirements to maintain its license. If a licensee fails to meet the required percentage of food and nonalcoholic beverage gross revenues, their license may be revoked. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 87 Filed: 561.20