Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in Florida

Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in Florida?

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In most people’s eyes, Florida is a relaxed, fun state. You think of palm trees and beaches, holidays, and Disney World.

Liquor is part of the fun in some people’s lives, and you’d think a state like Florida wouldn’t be too strict about it. So do grocery stores sell liquor in Florida?

No, you can only buy liquor from licensed liquor stores in Florida. However, grocery stores are allowed to sell beer and wine in Florida.

Florida is one of the states with rather strict laws about alcohol. In this article, I will explain the restrictions and how you can still easily get some liquor for a relaxed night or a party!

Do Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in Florida?

Grocery stores, in general, are not allowed to sell liquor in Florida. Liquor needs to be sold on separate premises, and even if a grocery store would have these, getting a license is a challenge in Florida.

Florida has surprisingly tough laws about alcohol, including liquor sales. If you want to spend some serious time with this, you can read up on the different alcohol laws in Florida here.

Why Can’t Grocery Stores Sell Liquor in Florida?

You can buy wine and beer in grocery stores in Florida, so why does the state not also allow the sale of liquor? It’s a fair question and has been the topic of a few political debates. The law almost changed in 2017 when the “Whiskey and Wheaties Bill” made it through, just to be vetoed.

In the beginning, the separation of liquor sales from normal grocery store sales was simply a leftover of the Alcohol Prohibition. In more recent years, however, the law is also defended by owners of licensed liquor stores who do not want to lose business to the big giants.

Do Target Or Walmart Sell Liquor In Florida?

While you can get a good selection of liquors from Target and Walmart in other states, both do not have a license to sell liquor in Florida.

However, there might be a change coming in the future because Walmart and Target are not happy with the status quo. In the past, they have sued the state of Florida to win the right to sell liquor. Both will likely try again (also in other states).

Where Can You Buy Liquor In Florida?

If you want a bottle of rum, vodka, or other liquor in person, you have no choice but to go to a licensed liquor store.

The only other option you have is to go online and choose a liquor delivery service. Only licensed sellers are allowed to make alcohol home deliveries. For more information, check out the Florida Licensee Delivery Statute.

Related Questions

Why Are The Alcohol Laws Different In Each State?

It can be annoying and confusing that grocery stores sell liquor in one state, and when you travel to another, you are suddenly confronted with grocery stores that don’t sell it.

This all started with the end of prohibition (of alcohol!) in 1933 – after its end, each state was allowed to make its own laws regarding liquor sales. Some wanted to make access to alcohol harder, some not.

Each state sometimes also changed its alcohol laws – just to add to the confusion. It is unlikely that is going to change.

Can You Buy Liquor in Florida On Sundays?

Liquor stores can sell liquor on Sundays. However, you need to know that different counties and cities in Florida may have set local restrictions.

There is no official state ban on alcohol sales in Florida on Sundays. However, you can still come across some communities that don’t allow alcohol sales on Sundays or only during restricted hours.

Final Thoughts

Liquor stores are easy enough to find, though it would obviously be even more convenient if you could just buy a bottle of rum during your regular visit to the grocery store.

Many retailers, especially big ones like Walmart and Target, are unhappy about the so-called “liquor wall,” – which keeps them from selling liquor alongside everything else, so keep your eyes peeled. Change might be coming someday.

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