The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) administers a process for distributing a limited number of highly sought-after alcoholic beverage licenses. This allocation method, employing a lottery system, aims to ensure a fair and transparent distribution of these valuable permits. For example, a quota license might become available due to population increases in a specific county. Eligible applicants then enter a drawing, and the selected individuals or entities are granted the opportunity to obtain the license.
Access to these licenses is often a crucial step for entrepreneurs looking to establish restaurants, bars, and other businesses selling alcoholic beverages in Florida. The lottery system provides an equitable opportunity, particularly beneficial for smaller businesses that might otherwise be outcompeted by larger, more established corporations. Historically, obtaining these licenses has been a complex and often expensive undertaking. The current system attempts to streamline this process and increase accessibility for new businesses entering the market.
