Legislative Alert: SB 924 and HB 715 Would Reduce SFS Licensing Requirements

Update (3/14/22): Both bills died when the Legislature adjourned on Monday, March 14, 2022.

New legislation from Senator Jennifer Bradley and Representative Josie Tomkow would make it easier to obtain the coveted type of liquor license that is reserved for “bona fide” restaurants in the Sunshine State. To qualify for an SFS liquor license, a current applicant must have 2,500 square feet of service area, be equipped to serve meals to 150 persons at one time, and derive at least 51 percent of gross food and beverage revenue from the sale of food and nonalcoholic beverages. If enacted, SB 924 and the identical HB 715 would reduce the number of meals that a licensee must be equipped to serve at one time from 150 to 100.

The full bill has been reproduced below, and it and other legislation can be reviewed and tracked on the Florida Senate’s and Florida House’s sites. As the Florida Legislature considers new alcoholic beverage laws that may affect manufacturers, distributors, vendors, and consumers, the firm publishes a quick reference guide for the action. Please note that the bill may change during the legislative process.

Follow this bill and others through the firm’s Florida Alcohol Legislation Tracker.