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How to buy a liquor license in Florida

Florida's prized asset is the 4COP quota license (full liquor, any use). It is genuinely scarce in big counties and trades for six figures. But the 4COP-SRX special restaurant license is NOT quota-limited — if you run a real restaurant you may never need to buy a quota license at all.

Agency: Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (ABT), DBPR — https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/alcoholic-beverages-tobacco/. Registry: license lookup.

Step by step

  1. Decide whether you need a true quota 4COP (bar / package store / liquor-anywhere) or whether a 4COP-SRX restaurant license or 2COP beer-wine license covers you for far less.
  2. If you need a quota license: enter DBPR's annual double-random drawing ($100/entry) AND/OR shop the secondary market through a broker.
  3. Agree a price and open escrow; verify the license is in good standing and free of liens on the DBPR license search.
  4. File the DBPR change-of-ownership / transfer application; complete zoning approval and the distance/separation checks for your premises.
  5. Clear DBPR review; escrow releases on approval. Quota-license transfers typically take 30–90 days.

Transfer rules

A quota license can transfer to a new owner and to a new location WITHIN THE SAME COUNTY. Moving a quota license to a different county is generally not allowed — buy within the county you'll operate in. SRX and beer/wine licenses are tied to the qualifying premises.

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See also

Licenses for sale in Florida · Florida cost breakdown · Financing options

FAQ

How long does it take to get a liquor license in Florida?

Most Florida transfers/applications clear in roughly 30–90 days once filed, assuming clean background and zoning.

Do I need a lawyer or broker to buy a liquor license in Florida?

Not legally required, but in a quota state a broker finds available licenses and a transfer attorney structures the escrow so your funds are protected until Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (ABT), DBPR approves.