Florida Bartending License

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The Florida alcohol certification is valid for 3 years from the issue date.

The minimum age to serve alcohol in Florida is 18 years of old or older in the sale, preparation, or service of alcoholic beverages in a licensed On-premise Establishment (FL Statute 562.111(1))

A 16 year old can sell off-sale for grocery stores, drug stores and other Off-Premise beer and wine licenses. There are a number of stipulations for selling under the age of 18. Please visit: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes, Chapter 562, Section 562.13 'Employment of Minors' for more information.

No. It is not mandatory to be Florida alcohol certified for most counties. Most employers will require bartenders and servers to complete a Florida bartender license certification for their liability insurance carrier regardless of state or city laws.

No. It is unlawful for any vendor licensed under the beverage law to employ as a manager or person in charge or as a bartender any person who has, in the last 5 years, been convicted of any felony in this state, any other state, or the United States.

Florida has a modified Dram Shop Law which provides that a person who sells or furnishes alcoholic beverages to a person of lawful drinking age (21) can't be held liable for injury or damage caused by or resulting from the intoxication of such person, unless the person selling or providing the alcoholic beverage sells the beverage to a minor (under 21), or to someone who is known to be habitually addicted to the use of any or all alcoholic beverages. In such cases, the person selling or providing the beverage may incur civil liability.

The State of Florida does not have state-wide Happy Hour Prohibitions. Such laws may exist in your city or county. Check with your local jurisdiction for any restrictions.

• The bar closing time is 2 a.m.
• In Tallahassee, bars can stay open until 4 a.m. as long as they aren’t selling alcohol past 2 a.m.
• Clubs in Miami can serve alcohol until 5 a.m.
• Fort Lauderdale bars can serve until 4 a.m.
• Tampa bars can stay open until 3 a.m.

To re-print your Florida certificate or wallet-sized card, go to our Certificate Search section here:  Certificate Search and Wallet Card

To be suitable as evidence for the defense, the identification card must be issued by a governmental agency and have a current description and a picture of the person presenting it which reasonably describes the person as to the date of birth weight, height, sex, and color of eyes and hair. No defense will exist if the card has obviously been altered or has expired.

In the event an Armed Forces identification card, Passport, or Passport Card is provided as proof of identity and lacks a physical description, but does include a date of birth and a photo, further proof of identity shall not be required.

• A registration certificate issued under the Federal Selective Service Act is no longer considered documentary evidence of age, identity, and date of birth.
• Green cards and International Driver's Licenses are NOT acceptable forms of ID.
• A valid current driver's license or photo ID card.
• A valid Armed Forces ID;
• A valid U.S. passport or foreign passport (with a U.S. travel visa) containing the holder's photograph.

State of Florida
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco
1940 North Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1020
Phone: 850-488-3223
Fax: 850-922-5175
Email: abt@dbpr.state.fl.us
Website: www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/alcoholic-beverages-and-tobacco/

We have over 35 plus years of experience and are considered the most reputable and recommended training provider in the service of alcohol certification.  Our founder, Robert Pomplun, has been involved in the hospitality industry as an alcohol certification consultant, instructor, manager, and coordinator. Our alcohol training and certification courses with Robert's guidance have benefited tens of thousands of bartenders, servers, managers, owners, and security staff across the nation. Our courses will prepare you and your team with knowledge of the most critical component of responsible alcohol service.

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