Florida’s laws on alcoholic beverages are less restrictive than many other states.

In Florida, alcoholic beverages are sold in private liquor stores, not state-owned establishments. Beer, wine and some liqueurs are generally available in grocery and convenience stores, while hard liquor is not.

Liquor stores must have off-premise licenses only, meaning it is illegal to consume alcohol on the property. Bars and restaurants may not serve liquor from between 1 am and 7 am.

State law prohibits the sale of alcohol on Sunday; however, local laws take precedence.

Within Miami and Dade County, liquor stores operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

In all areas, sale of liquor over 153 proof is prohibited by state law.

Like most states, Florida has a law forbidding open containers of alcohol in motor vehicles. This includes consumption of alcohol by passengers, and re-sealed containers, even re-corked bottles of wine. Any previously, opened bottles should be transported in the trunk.

In Florida, drivers are considered to be driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content (BAC) above .08. A blood alcohol content over the legal limit is considered sufficient proof of violation in a court of law. Both of these laws are consistent with other states. In Florida, the penalties for refusing to take a breathalyzer test are greater than the penalties for driving under the influence. DUI is a felony after the fourth conviction.

The legal drinking age in Florida, as in other states, is 21. The minimum age to work as a server in a restaurant that sells alcoholic beverages in Florida is 18. The minimum age to work as a bartender in a restaurant is 18. Under Florida law, a minor may handle, transport or sell beer or wine in an off-premises establishment at 18. However, in order to legally handle, transport or sell spirits, the worker must be over 21.

Please bear in mind that alcohol sales and consumption are subject to local laws as well as state law. There may be additional restrictions in your city or town, regarding the consumption of alcohol.

Drink Specials: Only 11 states in US do not have any restrictions on drink specials or happy hours. Florida allows unrestricted drink specials. Reference - Iowa White Paper- High Risk Drinking on College Campuses http://www.iowaabd.com/doc/White%20Paper%20Approved.doc

Mandatory Warning Signs Regarding Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): 21 States and D.C. require FAS warning signs posted at establishments. Florida doesn’t require FAS warning signs. Reference- APIS

Keg Registration: 30 states and WashingtonD.C. have keg registration laws, and Utah does not allow any kegs. FL does not have a keg registration law. Reference- MADD, APIS

Underage Possession: Youth under age 18 charged with underage possession of alcohol are supposed to have drivers license suspended in FL, but this sanction is seldom used.

Underage Alcohol Consumption: 33 states have laws against underage alcohol consumption- Florida does not. Reference- MADD

Serving Intoxicated Persons: Only 3 states in the country do not have laws against serving alcohol to an intoxicated person. Florida is one of the states that do not have this law. (Nevada and Wyoming are the other two) Reference- NLLEA ABC Enforcement

Dram Shop Law:Florida has a weak Dram Shop law with regards to liability for serving obviously intoxicated adults 21 and up- Florida law relieves server/ owner of liability unless the intoxicated person served is a known "habitual drunkard". (Florida Statutes)

Public intoxication:Florida doesn’t have a law against public intoxication.

Age 21 And Up In Bars:Florida allows 18 to 20 year olds to patronize and bartend in bars. In other states, the age is 21 and up.

Alcohol Advertising: There are no restrictions on alcohol advertising in stores, signs or on billboards in FL.

Responsible Vendor Training: The Florida Responsible Vendor Training law is voluntary and grants mitigation of penalties to participating establishments when they break underage drinking laws, and helps protect their license. Other states have mandatory responsible vendor training laws. (APIS)

References
MADD State Alcohol Laws http://www.madd.org/stats/10387 features tables and lists that compare state alcohol laws

Alcohol Policies- From APIS (Alcohol Policy Information System) Provides tables and maps comparing state alcohol policies: http://www.alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov/www.

NLLEA Alcohol Beverage Control Enforcement This research report summarizes various laws surrounding Alcohol Beverage Enforcement, particularly in relation to minors. http://www.nllea.org/reports/ABCEnforcementLegalResearch.pdf

• It is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 to buy, possess or consume alcoholic beverages.
• If person is 21, this person must have his/her I.D. in their possession.
• Alcohol can be consumed in four places on Panama City Beach:
  - In a Bar or Lounge
  -In a Motel Room
  -On the White Sand Portion of the Beach
  -At the Motel, by the Pool area
• No alcohol is permitted inside cars, walking down the sides of the road, in parking lots, or along Front Beach Road. Motels use this right of way area as a parking area. Refrain from consumption in these areas.