Liquor License Bonds In Florida

In Florida, Liquor License Bonds (officially known as Alcoholic Beverage and Tobacco or ABT Bonds) are surety bonds required by the state to guarantee that businesses pay all applicable taxes and fees on alcohol. Unlike general liability insurance, these bonds are a financial guarantee for the benefit of the state.

Required Bond Amounts

The bond amount depends strictly on the type of license you hold. The Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (DBPR) sets these based on Florida Statutes (F.S. 561.37).

• Manufacturer/Bottler of Wine: $5,000 Purchase Now!!

• Manufacturer of Wine & Cordials: $5,000 Purchase Now!!

• Manufacturer/Brewer of Malt Beverages (Beer): $20,000 Purchase Now!!

• Manufacturer/Distiller of Spirituous Liquor: $25,000 Purchase Now!!

• Distributor of Beer and Wine (JDBW): $25,000 Purchase Now!!

• Distributor of Beer, Wine, & Liquor (KLD): $100,000 Purchase Now!!

• State Bonded Warehouse (SBW): $1,000 – $5,000 Purchase Now!!

Key Requirements & Filing

• The Form: All bonds must be filed using Form DBPR ABT-6032 (Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Surety Bond Form).

• Scope: A separate bond is typically required for each license or permit held.

• Execution: The bond must be signed by the principal (business owner) and a surety company authorized to do business in Florida. A Power of Attorney from the surety agent must be attached.

• Cancellation: If the bond is canceled or expires, the business must immediately cease all alcohol-related operations until a new bond is secured.

How Much Does It Cost?

You do not pay the full bond amount. Instead, you pay a premium, which is usually 1% to 5% of the bond amount annually.

• Credit-Based: For larger bonds (like the $100,000 distributor bond), surety companies will review your personal credit and business financial statements to determine the rate.

• Starting Rates: Small $5,000 bonds can often be obtained for as little as $100 per year, while larger bonds may require more extensive underwriting.

Important Note for Retailers

While manufacturers and distributors almost always require these bonds, retail vendors (like bars or liquor stores) generally do not need a surety bond unless they are also operating as a distributor or have a history of tax delinquency. However, local municipalities may have additional bonding requirements for specific zoning or special use permits.

We Insure all counties in the State of Florida Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf,  Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Indian River, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington.

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