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CS/CS/SB 46 — Craft Distilleries
by Commerce and Tourism Committee; Regulated Industries Committee; and Senators Hutson and Rouson
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Regulated Industries Committee (RI)
The bill revises the licensing requirements for craft distilleries. The bill permits certain craft distilleries to qualify for a vendor’s license for the sale of beer, wine, and liquor if the craft distillery is located on a property within a destination entertainment venue, as defined by the bill, and open for tours during normal business hours. Under current law, a manufacturer of craft distilleries, such as a craft distillery, may not qualify for a vendor’s license unless an exemption from the prohibition is provided by law.
The bill increases the production limit for distilleries to qualify as craft distilleries from 75,000 gallons per year to 250,000 gallons per year. Craft distilleries may only sell up to 75,000 gallons of branded products in gift shops or tasting rooms and may not ship products to customers. A maximum of 10 craft distilleries meeting certain requirements may share common ownership.
Effective July 1, 2026, a minimum of 60 percent of a craft distillery’s total finished branded products must be distilled in the state and contain one or more of Florida’s agricultural products.
Under the bill, craft distilleries must keep records of all alcoholic beverages received from within or outside the state for a period of three years.
The bill also allows craft distilleries to qualify for a permit to conduct tastings at Florida fairs, trade shows, farmers markets, expositions, and festivals.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2021, unless otherwise provided.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 116-1