The state holds an annual drawing to award unissued liquor licenses (4COP quota) to the public. As you probably know, a quota liquor license allows bars, restaurants, and spaces to sell liquor in addition to beer and wine. Quota licenses are limited in supply by Florida law, and as a result they can be quite valuable for current operators and prospective licensees. Depending on the county, a license can be sold for $75,000 to $500,000.
There is generally one quota license for every 7,500 people residing in a particular county. Many counties in Florida are rapidly growing, and existing licenses are sometimes taken from their owners due to legal violations.
Members of the public may enter the Lottery and win the right to apply for a quota license. Winners are selected on a county by county basis. Click here for email reminders of the annual entry period and updates on the winners lists.