A visitor's guide to drinking in the Sunshine State
Navigating Florida's alcohol laws is no easy task, especially to the traveler passing through, because rules tend to change from place to place. State laws are one thing, but Florida usually grants municipalities the authority to make their own laws. This can result in confusion for visitors working up a thirst as they move through different cities and counties. Here are a few of the most important laws regarding alcohol sales in Florida. Keep them in mind and, wherever you find yourself, just ask about what applies. No one wants to be shut out when it's time to celebrate in the Sunshine State.
When to go
Florida establishments aren't allowed to sell, serve or permit consumption of alcoholic beverages between the hours of midnight and 7 a.m. the following morning – with the exception of railroads selling alcohol to passengers on railroad cars. In some Florida cities, however, visitors can buy drinks as late as 3 a.m.
Happy days and blue days
There aren't state laws on the books that restrict alcohol sales based on days of the week, but some cities in Florida enforce blue laws, which prohibit the sale of alcohol on Sundays.
Municipal governments across the state have, however, been loosening those restrictions in recent years, citing benefits to the tourism industry and the economy overall. Visitors should check local laws to see whether the city they're visiting has a blue law in place.
Beer and wine vs. liquor
Some states restrict the sale of liquor to liquor stores, allowing grocery stores to sell only beer and wine. This is the case in Florida as well, despite legislative efforts. In 2017, a bill that would have allowed grocery stores and gas stations to sell hard liquor on shelves next to beer and wine was defeated, with critics arguing that the bill could make it easier for those under 21 to obtain alcohol and that it might impact sales from small liquor businesses. For now, visitors hoping to purchase liquor must do so at a liquor store. Beer and wine, however, are available at grocery stores and gas stations.
Find a good place
Florida forbids drinking alcohol "at curb or drive-in stands," unless those areas are on the premises of a vendor holding a license for alcohol sales. In other words, don't drink on the streets in Florida. The state also requires vendors selling alcohol to close "whenever any riot gathering of a mob occurs" nearby, meaning that during civil disturbances, local governments can halt alcohol sales throughout a whole city or county.
References
- Orlando Sentinel: Beer at 10 a.m.? 'Blue laws' very throughout Central Florida
- The 2017 Florida Statutes: Beverage law enforcement
- Sun Sentinel: Tamarac is latest South Florida city to OK alcohol sales on Sundays
- SB 106: Vendors licensed under the beverage law
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When can alcohol be sold in Florida? While the overall rule is that alcohol can’t be sold between midnight and 7 A.M., each county and municipality has its own exceptions, including being sold 24/7 in Miami-Dade.
What time do they start selling alcohol in Orlando Florida?
It’s different in Orlando, where beer sales start at 7 … except on Sunday, when they start at 9. Which is different from a bunch of other cities in Central Florida, where Sunday sales aren’t allowed until 11. Or sometimes 2 p.m.
What time does FL start serving alcohol?
Sales Hours Retailers may generally not sell alcohol anywhere between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. any day of the week. But Florida counties and cities have much authority over the days and times of alcohol sales.
What time can you buy alcohol on Sunday in Orange county Florida?
10 a.m. Sundays
The Orange County Board of Commissioners, with little discussion, became the
latest government body Tuesday to approve a local “brunch bill” rule. The change means restaurants, bars and stores in the rural areas of the county can sell alcohol starting at 10 a.m. Sundays.
What time does alcohol stop selling in Florida?
Spirits are available in retail package stores. Bars and restaurants stop serving alcohol between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. Alcohol is not sold on Sunday, although a few counties are licensed to sell alcohol seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
How late do they sell beer in Florida?
Florida establishments aren’t allowed to sell, serve or permit consumption of alcoholic beverages between the hours of midnight and 7 a.m. the following morning – with the exception of railroads selling alcohol to passengers on railroad cars. In some Florida cities, however, visitors can buy drinks as late as 3 a.m.
What time does Publix sell alcohol on Sunday in Florida?
Right now, alcoholic beverages can be purchased between 7am and 3am Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. through 3 a.m. on Sundays. If passed, the hours would start at 7 a.m. on Sundays as well.
Does Publix sell alcohol in Florida?
Since we opened our first liquor store in 2003, we’ve grown to more than 250 locations and counting. Publix Liquors offers great deals on your favorite brands. We also offer a variety of wine, beer, soft drinks, and accessories, all in one convenient location.
What time do they sell beer on Sunday in Florida?
Right now, alcoholic beverages can be purchased between 7am and 3am Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. through 3 a.m. on Sundays. If passed, the hours would start at 7 a.m. on Sundays as well. It’s a plea restaurants and liquor stores all across Tampa have been making for a while, according to Mulkey.