Though I haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing Florida’s beer culture firsthand, I’m not one to miss an opportunity for research. So what time can you buy beer in Florida?
With plans on the horizon to explore the sandy shores and local brews, I’ve tapped into a former colleague who’s been staying there for a few years.
Whether you’re a Florida local, an aspiring traveler like myself, or a curious beer enthusiast, here’s what you need to know about The Sunshine State’s beer sales hours.
When Can You Buy Beer In Florida?
Generally, you can buy beer in Florida, Monday to Sunday, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
As I am headed to Hillsborough, my colleague informed me that establishments there sell alcohol from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 a.m. from Monday to Saturday.
But if you’re planning for a longer drinking time, then Miami-Dade should be your destination. The sale of alcohol here and in a few other counties can last until 5:00 a.m., while others are allowed 24/7.
But what time do stores stop selling alcohol in Florida?
Understanding Florida Beer Laws
Beer laws in Florida are more lenient than wine sales and distilled spirits with higher alcohol content. Usually, alcohol selling time is from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. unless incorporated municipalities opt to have their own permitted alcohol sales times.
“Nothing ever tasted better than a cold beer on a beautiful afternoon with nothing to look forward to than more of the same.” – Hugh Hood, Essayist and Professor
Like West Virginia, Florida law has set its legal limit for blood alcohol levels at 0.08% [1]. The legal age for alcohol consumption is still 21, and other unsealed beer containers are subject to open-container laws.
Read: Top Wineries Near Englewood, Florida
Florida’s Beer Sale Hours
Start
Monday – Saturday
From Monday to Saturday, you can start purchasing alcohol in Florida bright and early, as soon as the clock strikes 7:00 a.m.
However, like any other state in the US, Florida also allows each county and municipality to set their own alcohol sales hours. Florida still has one completely dry county and one partially dry.
Liberty, Lafayette, and Washington counties are the last dry counties in Florida, but residents of Washington have already voted in 2022 to end its “dry law.”
Sunday
Sunday alcohol sales in Florida also start at 7:00 a.m. Unlike stricter rules in some other states where you can only buy alcoholic beverages starting around 11:00 a.m., Florida is considered to be lenient.
For more context, people in Tampa City had to wait until 1:00 p.m. to buy alcohol on Sunday before 2003. So, it’s lucky we can enjoy and drink alcohol on Sundays as early as 7:00 a.m., just like any other day.
Last Call
Monday – Saturday
Generally, beer sale hours in Florida are only limited until midnight. But this restriction only applies if the establishments have longer operating hours.
Bars, restaurants, and convenience stores that operate 24/7 can only sell beer and wine until midnight or later, depending on their own laws and local restrictions.
If these establishments are set to close around 10:00 p.m., then beer sales would also stop 30 minutes before their closing time.
Sunday
On Sundays, the last call for alcoholic drinks is until midnight, which makes a uniform alcohol sale hours for the entire week.
But again, it only applies to specific counties because other counties still have blue laws or rules prohibiting alcohol sales every Sunday.
In Hillsborough County, where I am headed, they sell alcohol on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 a.m. Despite starting later than other Florida counties, it also ends later, so I can still plan some good times.
Related Posts:
- When Can You Buy Beer In Georgia?
- Until When Can You Buy Beer In Texas?
- When Can You Buy Beer In New York?
Where Can You Buy Beers?
You can buy beers in Florida establishments and businesses licensed to sell alcohol. It includes bars and restaurants, package and liquor stores, breweries and taprooms, convenience, and grocery stores.
Even railroads selling alcohol to consumers should follow the alcohol laws of each county and municipality.
“Embrace the Florida sun and savor the moment – beer o’clock knows no bounds in this vibrant state.” – Liquor Laboratory
To-go drinks have been permanently approved in Florida as an aftereffect of the COVID-19 pandemic [2]. You can buy beers and manufacturer-sealed wines for take-out or delivery. But this law still comes with certain conditions.
FAQs Related to What Time Can You Buy Beer In Florida?
What time do gas stations sell beer in Florida?
Florida gas stations sell beers from 7:00 a.m. to midnight, or much later, depending on the counties and municipalities.
In small towns or remote areas, a gas station (supposing it has an attached convenience store) closes much earlier, making the beer-selling hours shorter. And some of these stores are not allowed to sell spirits.
But does Walgreens also sell liquor?
Can you buy beer early in the morning in Florida?
Absolutely. You can buy beer in Florida at 7:00 a.m. Some counties stop selling for as late as 5:00 a.m., while some are allowed to sell alcoholic drinks 24/7.
Are there any restrictions on the sale of beer in Florida?
Yes, beer sales are restricted to individuals who are 21 years of age or older. Additionally, certain counties or municipalities may have specific regulations regarding the sale of alcohol, including limitations on hours of sale or restrictions on certain types of establishments.
Can you buy beer at any time of day in Florida?
No, there are specific hours during which beer can be purchased in Florida. Outside of these hours, retail stores are prohibited from selling beer.
Are there any exceptions to the beer sales hours in Florida?
Yes, there may be exceptions to beer sales hours for certain holidays or special events, depending on local ordinances or state regulations. Additionally, establishments with special licenses or permits may have extended hours for alcohol sales.
Can you buy beer on Sundays in Florida?
Yes, beer can be purchased on Sundays in Florida. However, retail stores are only permitted to begin selling beer at 8:00 a.m. on Sundays, one hour later than the usual start time on other days of the week.
Can you buy beer from gas stations in Florida?
Yes, many gas stations in Florida sell beer. However, they are subject to the same regulations regarding hours of sale and age restrictions as other retail establishments.
In Conclusion
So, there you have it, Florida does not restrict alcohol sales to its residents; it depends on different counties and municipalities.
Florida drinking laws do not allow an underage individual to possess and consume alcohol.
In a few counties, like my destination in Hillsborough, establishments can sell beers from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. Florida still has a few dry counties until 2022, but now, only Liberty remains completely dry.
References:
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/dui/blood-alcohol-level-chart/
- https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/state/2021/05/14/new-law-alcohol-drinks-to-go-florida-desantis-what-does-mean/5091476001/
