Florida’s 2025 Quota License Lottery: Opportunities and Obligations for Retailers
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Florida’s Quota License Lottery opened on August 18, 2025, with entries due by October 1, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Winning the drawing grants the priority right to apply for a new quota beverage license in counties where population growth created eligibility for additional licenses.
For retailers, these licenses represent one of the most valuable business assets available in the alcoholic beverage industry. They create both a rare opportunity to expand operations and an obligation to comply with Florida’s detailed licensing requirements.
What is a Quota License?
A quota license is the most powerful type of retail liquor license in Florida. It authorizes the sale of liquor, beer, and wine, but is strictly limited by county population growth. One new license becomes available for every 7,500 additional residents in a county.
This scarcity makes quota licenses rare, highly desirable, and valuable. Because they carry a property interest, licenses can be sold, financed, or transferred. Depending on location and market demand, they often sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
2025 Lottery Overview
According to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), the 2025 drawing includes 52 new quota beverage licenses across 26 counties, including Broward, Miami-Dade, Duval, Hillsborough, Orange, Palm Beach, and Pinellas.
Applications may be submitted through DBPR’s online portal, which ensures timely processing and electronic payment. Alternatively, applicants may file Form DBPR ABT-6033 by mail with a check or money order. The entry fee is $100, and each person is limited to one entry per county. Violations of this limit may result in disqualification.
How the Lottery Works
After the entry period closes, DBPR assigns each valid application a number and enters it into a randomized drawing. Winners are selected using a random number generator.
Being selected does not automatically mean the license will be awarded. DBPR must verify that each applicant is eligible under the Florida Beverage Law. Results are typically announced within two to four weeks, and DBPR contacts winners using the information provided on the entry form.
Applicants must keep DBPR updated with current contact information, as the agency only communicates using what is on file. Failure to update information may result in losing the opportunity to apply. If a winning applicant is found ineligible, the application will be denied.
Costs and Compliance Obligations
Winning applicants should be prepared for significant licensing costs and strict compliance rules.
- Licensing fees: Typically around $15,000, though amounts vary by county.
- Activation requirement: Licenses must be activated and in use within 270 days of issuance.
- Transferability: Quota licenses are transferable and can be sold, mortgaged, or used as collateral, making them highly valuable property interests.
Once awarded, a license holder must decide whether to open and operate under the license or sell it to another party. Either decision requires careful planning and legal oversight to maximize value and ensure compliance.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Quota licenses are both valuable and complex. Strict statutory and regulatory rules govern the lottery, application, and transfer process. Mistakes can cost applicants their opportunity or significantly reduce the value of the license.
Common pitfalls include:
- Submitting more than one entry per county.
- Failing to update DBPR with current contact information.
- Missing activation deadlines.
- Entering into poorly structured sale or financing agreements.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Florida Quota License Lottery presents a rare opportunity for retailers and investors to secure one of the state’s most sought-after business assets. Winners gain the right to pursue valuable liquor licenses, but they also assume significant responsibilities to comply with Florida law.
If you are entering the 2025 lottery, considering the purchase or sale of a quota license, or preparing to activate one, Jimerson Birr can help you maximize your investment and safeguard your compliance.
Contact Jimerson Birr today to discuss your strategy for the 2025 Quota License Lottery and beyond.