Navigating Florida’s alcohol laws can be quite a puzzle, especially for travelers. Rules change as you move from place to place, and local municipalities even have their own say.
So what time do they stop selling alcohol in Florida?
To help you stay in the know, I’ve interviewed establishment owners and discussed the permitted alcohol sales time.
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ToggleWhat Time Do They Stop Selling Alcohol in Florida?
Based on Florida alcohol laws, the sale, service, or consumption of alcoholic beverages is generally restricted from 12:00 AM to 7:00 AM [1].
“Drink because you are happy, but never because you are miserable.” — G.K. Chesterton, Writer
However, a few counties can override the restriction and extend permitted alcohol sales times until 3:00 AM. A few other counties, including Miami-Dade County, permit 24-hour alcohol sales.
Understanding Florida Alcohol Laws
Florida’s alcohol laws are different than other state liquor laws because there are counties that can override the restrictions and follow local laws or own laws mandated by their counties.
For instance, most Florida establishments should not sell, serve, and permit alcohol consumption from 12 AM to 7 AM the following day, except for railroads selling alcohol.
However, some counties allow customers to purchase alcohol until 3:00 AM.
Also, some retailers are not allowed to sell alcohol between 3:00 AM and 7:00 AM daily, and the days and hours are primarily under the jurisdiction of Florida’s counties.
Liquor stores, supermarkets, retail stores, grocery stores, and other establishments can sell alcoholic beverages within the window time mandated by Florida law but should be of legal drinking age.
5 Alcohol Stores & Their Last Call
1. Breweries & Taprooms
Florida’s breweries and taprooms enjoy alcohol sales from 7 AM to midnight daily. You can buy beer and wine at these locations until 12:00 AM only.
But what time can you buy beer in Florida?
2. Grocery Stores
In Florida, you can buy beer and wine from grocery stores. But they can’t sell strong spirits or big containers over 32 oz.
All the alcohol they sell is for you to take home. They sell it between 7 AM and 12 AM every day of the week.
3. Gas Stations
Buying alcohol in Gas stations in Florida is allowed but excludes strong spirits. This sale window spans from 7 AM to midnight.
However, there’s a cap on container sizes at 32 ounces; bottles and cans beyond this limit are a no-go. Also, drinking alcohol or beer sold in gas stations is not allowed.
4. Bars & Restaurants
In Florida, bars can serve alcohol from 7 AM to midnight. They have beer, wine, and spirits to enjoy right there. Also, restaurants stop serving alcohol after midnight as mandated by local laws.
5. Package & Liquor Stores
In Florida, package and liquor stores have various options for alcohol buyers. A liquor store can sell beer, wine, and spirits from 7:00 AM to midnight. But, in some counties, they might stay open even later.
Retail package stores can sell and fill growlers with the right equipment. Just remember, growlers are for drinking off-site.
Alcohol Sales Timing in Florida
Alcohol Sale Premises Opening Hours
Generally, bars and restaurants can initiate sales at 7:00 AM. However, you can buy alcohol depending on the diverse schedules shaped by establishment type and location.
In Miami Beach, you can buy alcohol as early as 8:00 AM on selected days, while Duval County prohibits sales between 2 AM and 7 AM, encompassing Jacksonville.
Stores like Target and CVS sell alcohol as early as 7:00 AM, but Florida prohibits selling hours or the sale of alcohol from midnight onwards.
Sunday Alcohol Sales in Florida
You can buy alcohol in Florida on Sundays, but it varies based on county decisions. While the state doesn’t restrict Sunday alcohol sales, many counties limit the hours.
Some counties used to start sales at noon on Sundays. Retailers selling beer and wine for off-site consumption can start at 10 AM instead of noon.
In some counties, like Baker and Polk, you cannot sell alcohol due to Blue Laws (prohibiting alcohol sales on Sundays).
However, Polk County extended hours, allowing beer and wine purchases from 7 AM on Sundays.
Closing Time
Based on Florida drinking laws, most bars and restaurants close at midnight, meaning you cannot buy alcohol or consume alcohol on their premise.
However, the closing time in Florida varies by county and establishment type.
Beer Delivery in Florida
You can buy beer in Florida and let them deliver it until 12 midnight. It allows you to conveniently order and receive your favorite brews right at your doorstep, even late into the evening.
Related Posts:
- What Time Does Missouri Stop Selling Alcohol?
- What Time Does Virginia Stop Selling Alcohol?
- What Time Does New Mexico Stop Selling Alcohol?
Is Florida A Dry County?
No, Florida is not a dry county. Florida allows the sale of alcohol, although regulations and hours of sale can vary by county and establishment type. You can obtain alcohol, sell hard liquor, and consume it based on local law.
“Florida’s drinking hours: Explore wisely, sip within time, savor responsibly.” -Liquor Laboratory
A few dry counties in Florida do not prohibit alcohol entirely but heavily restrict alcohol sales by package, drink, and time [2].
In most parts of Florida, you can purchase alcoholic beverages from various retailers, bars, restaurants, and gas stations with the appropriate licenses.
FAQs
What time does 7/11 stop selling beer in Florida?
In Florida, 7-Eleven typically stops selling beer at midnight. However, it’s important to note that specific closing hours may vary based on local regulations, the store’s location, and the day of the week.
You can buy beer or purchase liquor in 7/11 within the time frame. Also, they sell spirits but do not open alcohol containers.
What time can I buy alcohol in Hillsborough County?
In Hillsborough County, you can buy alcohol from Monday to Saturday, from 7:00 AM to 3:00 AM the next day. Also, you can buy alcohol on Sunday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 AM the next day.
Convenience stores and gas stations sell beer, hard liquor, and other unsealed beer containers.
What is the alcohol restriction in Florida?
The alcohol restrictions in Florida encompass various aspects such as age limits, hours of sale, and consumption regulations.
Also, based on Florida alcohol laws, 0.08 blood alcohol concentration is the legal limit, so follow it to avoid your driver’s license getting suspended.
Do bars and restaurants follow the same alcohol sales hours?
No, bars and restaurants in Florida may have different alcohol sales hours for on-premises consumption. However, they are typically required to stop serving alcohol for on-premises consumption at 2:00 AM.
Are there any differences in alcohol sales hours between weekdays and weekends in Florida?
In Florida, alcohol sales hours remain consistent throughout the week, with the same restrictions applying on weekdays and weekends.
Do grocery stores and convenience stores have the same alcohol sales hours?
Yes, both grocery stores and convenience stores in Florida must adhere to the same alcohol sales hours mandated by state law.
Are there any exceptions to alcohol sales hours for special events or holidays?
Florida may have exceptions to alcohol sales hours for special events or holidays, but these exceptions are subject to approval and may vary depending on local ordinances.
Bottom Line
Florida’s alcohol laws exhibit notable diversity due to the authority granted to counties and municipalities to enact their own rules.
Most Florida establishments are prohibited from selling, serving, or permitting consumption between 12 AM and 7 AM, except for railroads selling alcohol to passengers.
Some counties offer the flexibility for customers to buy alcohol until 3:00 AM. As for Sunday liquor sales, Florida does not restrict them at the state level, but the decision is primarily left to counties.
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