Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco – FAQs

If you wish to sell beer or wine, you can purchase a consumption-on-premise license or a package license. There are no restrictions on the number of licenses issued to sell beer and wine. If you wish to sell liquor, a quota license must be obtained. These are limited in number throughout the state, based on county population. There are also various special licenses that are allowed to sell liquor, such as restaurants, but specific requirements must be met for those licenses. To view the various types of alcoholic beverage and tobacco licenses available and applicable fees, you may visit: AB&T License Types and AB&T Fee Chart

I own a restaurant, and wish to sale alcoholic beverages; what kind of license do I need?

A special (SRX) restaurant alcoholic beverage license can be obtained (if certain requirements are met) at any time, and is an exception to the quota license restrictions to number of licenses per county. The SRX license allows you to sell beer, wine, and liquor for consumption-on-premises, in connection with a restaurant. However, a restaurant must derive 51% of their revenue from food 2 and non-alcoholic beverages to qualify for this special license, along with other requirements. If this percentage cannot be met and maintained, the restaurant would not qualify for the special license and would then be required to obtain a regular (quota) license to sell liquor. [Reference: F.S. 561.20 ]

How much does an alcoholic beverage license cost?

The annual license fee for an alcoholic beverage retail license ranges between $28 and $1,820, depending on the type of beverages you wish to sell, and the county in which your business will be located. To view the various types of alcoholic beverage and tobacco licenses available and applicable fees, you may visit: AB&T License Types and AB&T Fee Chart

How can I obtain a license to sell alcoholic beverages?

There are several methods to obtain a license to sell alcoholic beverages. Each method includes the completion of a license application form, which may be obtained from the Division. Application forms, and additional information on completing an application form, may be requested from any ABT licensing office or online.

What is a quota license?

For every increase in the population of a county by 7500 residents, a new quota license is created. In order to obtain a quota (liquor) license, you must either buy an existing license, or enter the quota drawing to win the right to apply for a quota license. The winner may then apply for the issuance of the new license. For more information on “quota” licenses, F.S. 561.19 and 561.20 describe the requirements and conditions of this type of license. To retrieve an application for the quota drawing, access the site here.

How much does a quota license cost?

In addition to the annual license fee, there is a one-time (Hughes Act) fee of $10,750. This fee is used for alcohol and drug abuse education, treatment, and prevention programs. [Reference: F.S. 561.19]. In addition to the license 4 transfer fee (not to exceed $5000) [Reference: F.S. 561.32(3)(a)], when purchasing an existing license from a current owner, the price can vary. The State does not set the price for quota licenses sold on the open market; the price is usually dictated by supply and demand

What is the Hughes Act fee?

The Hughes Act refers to a fee of $10,750, which is collected from each entity that is issued a new quota liquor license. This fee is imposed on an initial issuance of a license only, and is in addition to the annual license fee. The revenues from this fee are used for alcohol and drug abuse education, treatment, and prevention programs. [Reference: F.S. 561.19]

How long does it take to obtain an alcoholic beverage license?

Processing time for a license can vary depending upon the complexity of the type of license being purchased. Filing a complete and accurate application can decrease the processing time. The Division is required to process a completed application within 90 days of receipt and acceptance. [Reference: F.S. 120.60]

I would like to apply for a license to sell alcoholic beverages. Is there any way that I can start serving alcoholic beverages immediately?

Upon delivery of a completed application which does not on its face disclose any reason for denial, the applicant may purchase a temporary license at a cost of $100 or 1/4 the annual license fee, whichever is greater, for new and increase in series applications. The temporary fee for transfer applications is $100. [Reference: F.S. 561.181]. Once the temporary license is issued, the licensee may begin sales of alcoholic beverages immediately.

Where do I go to apply for a license?

There are several ways to file an application to obtain an alcoholic beverage or tobacco license. The application may be mailed to the local Division office, hand delivered to the local Division office, sent by regular or overnight mail to the Central licensing office, or by making an appointment with our licensing personnel. A list of District office locations and phone numbers may be found on Contact AB&T page.

Can a beverage license be transferred from county to county?

A license to sell beer and wine can be transferred from county to county. A change of location fee is applicable. A license to sell liquor cannot be transferred out of the county in which it was initially issued, due to the limitation of the number of licenses for each county. [Reference F.S. 561.20(1) and 561.33]

I belong to a non-profit civic organization. As part of a fund-raiser, can we sell alcoholic beverages?

Yes, non-profit civic organizations, charitable organizations, municipalities, and counties can obtain a temporary permit for the sale of beer, wine, and liquor for consumption on premises only, and for a period not to exceed 3 days per event. With the exception of small areas within specific counties which are allowed to have an additional number of permits per calendar year, each non-profit organization may obtain up to 12 such permits per calendar year. [Reference F.S. 561.422] Areas of exception can be verified by going to the division’s web page and reviewing the One, Two, Three Day Permit (ODP) Special Acts.

Have the requirements for a restaurant license in Winter Park, Florida changed?

Yes, the chapters of law pertaining to exemptions for special licenses in the City of Winter Park, Orange County, were repealed during the 2015 legislative session. The issuance of special alcoholic beverage licenses for restaurants, hotels, motels, and motor courts in Winter Park are now subject to General Law.

I am interested in placing a vendor's license in a railroad transit station. Can I do this and what is the license fee?

The 2016 Legislature has created a special license category that allows vendors in a railroad transit station to keep for sale and to sell beer, wine, and liquor upon the payment of an annual license tax of $2,500. The vendor license may not be transferred to locations 7 beyond the railroad transit station. The alcoholic beverages sold are for consumption on the licensed premises, and may be consumed in all areas within the railroad transit station. [Reference: F.S. 561.01(22) and 565.02(2)]

Can schools sell alcoholic beverages with their culinary arts programs?

The 2016 Legislature has created a special license category for culinary education programs that allows the sale and consumption of beer, wine, and liquor on the licensed premises of the culinary education program. The culinary education program must be provided by a specific state university, college institution, or career center as a public food service establishment which offers, prepares, serves, or sells food to the general public, and which is inspected by a state agency for compliance with sanitation standards. If the culinary education program provides catering services, this special license allows the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises of a catered event at which the licensee is also providing prepared food. The license fee for the special culinary education program license is $1,820 annually. The license does not permit sales of alcoholic beverages by the package for off-premises consumption. [Reference: F.S. 561.20]

I have applied for an alcoholic beverage license but I do not have a location to open for business yet. Can I put the license on hold until I get the building completed?

The Florida Statutes require a quota alcoholic beverage liquor license issued after September 30, 1988, to be open for business to the public for sales of authorized alcoholic beverages during regular and reasonable business hours for at least 8 hours a day for a period of 210 days or more during any 12-month period. This period begins 6 months after 8 the acquisition of the license by the licensee. The division will grant a one-time waiver or extension of the requirements for a period up to 12 months. The division may also grant a waiver or extension of the requirements for a period up to 12 months if the licensed premises has been physically damaged to an extent that active operation is impracticable, if construction or remodeling is underway to relocate the license to another location, or if the licensed premises has been prohibited from making sales as a result of an court order or action of a governmental entity. [Reference: F.S. 561.29]

Taxes

What taxes are charged by the state on alcoholic beverages and cigarettes?

Excise taxes are charged at the wholesale level for any alcoholic beverage, cigarette, or tobacco products to be sold to retailers in Florida. Current alcohol and tobacco excise tax rates may be found on the Statues and Rules page.

What are the state reporting requirements for alcoholic beverages and tobacco?

Specific monthly reports must be filed by alcoholic beverage Manufacturers, Wholesaler/Distributors, Importers, Exporters, Common Carriers, and Passenger Carriers, and cigarette and tobacco Manufacturers, Wholesaler/Distributors, Exporters, and Distributing Agents by the 10th of the month following the activity being reported. [Reference: F.S. 561.08, 561.49, 561.50, 561.55, 562.20, 210.04(9), 210.09, 210.55]

Is the alcoholic beverage surcharge going to be abolished?

On June 9, 2006, Governor Bush signed House Bill 7105 into law. This legislation is charged with the repeal of the alcoholic beverage surcharge imposed by Section 561.501, Florida Statutes. The actual repeal of the alcoholic beverage surcharge is a two-step process. The bill deletes the submission and reporting of surcharge on alcoholic beverages sold for 10 consumption on premises as of July 1, 2007. Licensed consumption-onpremises alcoholic beverage vendors are required to continue to pay the surcharge through June 2007, and submit the report, which is due by July 15, 2007. It then allows one year from that date for the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco to complete the collections of the surcharge. The complete repeal of Section 561.501, Florida Statutes, will be effective July 1, 2008.

I didn't have any purchases/sales last month. Do I still have to file a report?

Yes, you must continue to file excise tax reports even when you have no activity, for as long as you have an active license.

Other Faqs

What is the minimum age requirement for serving alcoholic beverages?

Although it is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 years to have in her or his possession alcoholic beverages, this does not preclude the employment of any person 18 years of age or older in the sale, preparation, or service of alcoholic beverages in any establishment licensed by the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco or the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Generally, it is unlawful for any vendor licensed under the Beverage Law to employ any person who is under 18 years of age. However, there are certain exemptions that may be found in F.S. 562.13.

Does the state regulate the hours of operation for an establishment that serves alcoholic beverages?

The operating hours are regulated by the county or municipality in which the business is located. However, in the absence of county or municipal ordinances, no alcoholic beverages may be sold, consumed, served, or permitted to be served or consumed in any place holding a license with the division between the hours of midnight and 7 a.m. of the following day. [Reference: F.S. 562.14]

I'm going out-of-business and I need to know what to do with my left over alcoholic beverages?

Section 61A-1.0108, Florida Administrative Code, allows retailers to make a request for return of product to the distributor within 10 days after delivery of the product. Exceptions to the 10-day period include the termination of business. Exceptions to the 10-day rule require the distributor to maintain documentation which details the request, the date, the licensed vendor, business name and address, the vendor’s license number and the product returned. The distributor must make the records available to the division upon request.

I'm in the military and want to bring the wine I purchased for my personal consumption to my new residence in Florida. What do I do?

Individuals may bring alcoholic beverages into the State of Florida in quantities less than or equal to one gallon, without being subject to state excise taxes. A ny active member of any branch of the United States Armed Forces, who legally purchases alcoholic beverages in a foreign country, may import those beverages, tax free, into the State of Florida. This alcoholic beverage inventory may exceed one gallon, but must be for personal consumption only. If a nonmilitary individual brings in quantities of alcoholic beverages that exceed one gallon, the individual must apply for a permit from the Division of Alcoholic 13 Beverages and Tobacco to import the product and pay Florida excise taxes. This application form may be found on our website at: Form 4000a-035 [Reference F.S. 561.11, 562.07, 562.15, 562.16, 562.18] This form must be completed and delivered to the appropriate district office along with the applicable taxes (indicated on the form) prior to importing the beverages into Florida. Upon approval of an application, and payment of the excise taxes, a copy of the application will be forwarded to the applicant as proof of claim to clear Customs. Consumers must pick up these beverages from Customs and transport personally. Also, when entering through Customs, Federal excise taxes must be paid on all beverages imported into the state.

What is the difference between a CDA (Cigarette Distributing Agent) permit, and a CWD (Cigarette Wholesale Distributor) permit?

A Cigarette Distributing Agent (CDA), as defined in F.S. 210.01, is an entity located in this state who acts as an agent for another entity outside or inside the state by receiving cigarettes in interstate or intrastate commerce, storing the cigarettes, and then delivering the cigarettes to wholesale dealers and other distributing agents inside or outside this state. A CDA acts as the middleman between the manufacturer and wholesaler, delivering unstamped cigarettes for the manufacturer to the wholesaler. The CDA does not hold ownership of the cigarettes in inventory. A Cigarette Wholesale Distributor (CWD), as defined in F.S. 210.01, is any person who sells cigarettes to retail dealers or other persons for purposes of resale only, or any person who operates more than one cigarette vending machine located in more than one place of business. A CWD then purchases the cigarettes from the manufacturer through the CDA and holds ownership of the cigarettes. The CWD, however, cannot transport unstamped cigarettes but must place a cigarette tax indicia (stamp) on each package of unstamped cigarettes prior to selling the cigarettes at the wholesale level.

What are gray market cigarettes?

Gray market cigarettes refer to diverted tobacco product not meant for consumption in the United States. This can be in either of two categories:

  1. Labeled for export – manufactured domestically for export and marked “U.S. Tax Exempt,” “For Sale Outside the U.S.,” etc.
  2. Foreign Source – manufactured outside the U.S. for sale abroad and may bear a variety of marks or legends that distinguish it from product made for the U.S. domestic market. [Reference: F.S. 210.185, 501.204, Title 15, Chapter 36, U.S.C. 1332, 1333, 1335a]
May I buy alcohol and tobacco from a retailer, and offer them for sale at my retail establishment?

No. Vendor-to-vendor purchases or sales of alcoholic beverages or cigarettes are not allowed. Alcoholic beverages must be purchased from a licensed 15 wholesale distributor. Cigarettes may be purchased for retail purposes only from a person holding a wholesale dealer permit. The invoice must show the place of business for which the purchase is made and the product cannot be transferred to any other place of business for the purpose of resale. [Reference: F.S. 561.14(3) and F.S. 210.15]

How do I obtain information about alcoholic beverage and tobacco licensees?

A data file containing information on businesses or individuals holding an alcoholic beverage or tobacco license may be found on the Public Records page. You may also contact any of our Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco offices if you need information on a specific license. A list of offices can be found on our Contact page.

What are the penalties for violations of alcoholic beverage and tobacco laws and rules?

There are various penalties, depending on the violation and number of violations. Penalty guidelines are defined by Florida Administrative Code 61A- 2.022.

How much revenue is collected from licensees?

The Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco collects approximately $1.9 billion dollars annually in alcoholic beverage and tobacco license fees and taxes.

Does a Florida tobacco permit allow for the sale of cigarettes via the Internet?

Yes. The applicable statutory language requires a tobacco dealer to secure a permit and post it in a conspicuous place. [Reference: F.S. 569.003] To comply with the latter provision, an entity should post a copy of its tobacco license, or its tobacco license number, on its web site. All other regulations pertaining to sales at a Florida location also apply to internet sales.

Does the sale of cigarettes from a private residence constitute a taxable transaction?

Yes. Florida imposes an excise tax on the sale, receipt, purchase, possession, consumption, handling, distribution, and use of cigarettes in the state. [Reference: F.S. 210.02(1)] All cigarettes are presumed taxable unless the person in possession establishes the contrary. [Reference: F.S. 210.02(4)] Florida Statutes and the Florida Administrative Code provide certain exceptions to the taxation of the sale and receipt of cigarettes. [Reference F.S. 210.04(4), F.A.C. 61A-10.005] However, no explicit exception has been made for transactions initiated from private residences. Any sales activity to the ultimate consumer must be done by a retail tobacco permit holder only

What are the requirements of shipping cigarettes via interstate/intrastate commerce?

Any person who advertises, offers, sells, or transfers cigarettes-for profit, into interstate commerce-must comply with the Federal Jenkins Act. [Reference: Title 15 U.S.C. Sec. 376] According to the Jenkins Act, persons who advertise or ship cigarettes into interstate commerce must file a statement with the appropriate tobacco tax administrator (e.g. Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco) stating both the name of the business and its trade. In addition, these registered entities must remit, to each state, a detailed report stating whom the cigarettes were sold to, the brand name, and the quantity sold. The State of Florida, Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, may prosecute all violations of the Jenkins Act. Failure to comply with the Jenkins Act carries a maximum fine of $1000 or imprisonment up to six months. [Reference: Title 15 U.S.C. Sec. 377] Furthermore, all relevant Florida statutory provisions must be complied with for any cigarette shipments into intrastate commerce. In order to do so, an entity must hold a valid Florida retail tobacco permit, and ensure a Florida tax stamp is affixed to each package of cigarettes it disposes of in this state. [Reference: F.S. 210.06(1)] Failure to do so can subject an entity to the applicable penalties. [Reference: F.S. 210.18]

What type of action can be brought against an entity that fails to comply with the applicable laws regarding shipping cigarettes via interstate commerce?

Failure to report the advertisement or shipment of cigarettes into the State of Florida to the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco constitutes a direct violation of the Jenkins Act. According to 210.18(1), any person who sells, or offers to sell, unstamped cigarettes in Florida-or who attempts to evade the Florida tobacco tax-is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree for the first occurrence, and a third degree felony for the second occurrence. Furthermore, any person who brings cigarettes into Florida without the applicable tax applied is personally liable for the amount of the tax imposed on such cigarettes. The Division may collect the tax either by filing suit, or by restitution, if the taxpayer is found guilty of importing untaxed cigarettes into the State [Reference: F.S. 210.18(4)]

As an alcoholic beverage distributor, how do the Tied House Evil laws apply to me?

Florida Statute 561.42 provides certain limitations and prohibitions related to the manufacture, distribution, and retail sales of alcoholic beverages. Among other provisions, the statute provides for the following:

Refer to the web links at www.leg.state.fl.us to view the laws and at https://www.flrules.org/ to view the rules in its entirety. Further questions regarding F.S. 561.42 should be referred to the Office of the General Counsel, Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco at 850.488.0062.

Growlers, Craft Distilleries, Destination Entertainment Venues, and Tastings

The following is provided to answer some common questions regarding the 2021 legislation pertaining to growlers, craft distilleries, destination entertainment venues, and tastings. While due care has been exercised to assure the accuracy of this information, the actual statute and administrative rules supersede this information.

Growlers:

What is a growler?

A growler is an individual container that holds 32, 64, or 128 ounces of malt beverage and is filled at the point of sale. A growler must include an imprint or label that provides information specifying the name of the manufacturer, the brand, and the anticipated percentage of alcohol by volume of the malt beverage. The container must have an unbroken seal or be incapable of being immediately consumed. A licensee authorized to fill or refill growlers may not use growlers for the purposes of distribution or sale outside of the licensed manufacturing premises or licensed vendor premises.

Can I be fined, or my license be revoked for selling Growlers without the proper license?

The Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco may impose a first-degree misdemeanor for sales of the specified container types without the authorized license. Additionally, the division may suspend or revoke a license and impose a fine up to $250 for failure of a licensee to label or seal the specified container types in accordance with the requirements set forth in Florida Statutes 563.06.

Craft Distilleries:

What is a craft distillery?

A licensed distillery that produces 250,000 or fewer gallons per calendar year of distilled spirits on its premises.

How does a distillery become a craft distillery?

A distillery may not operate as a craft distillery until the distillery has provided to the division written notification that it meets the criteria for a craft distillery. Upon the division’s receipt of the notification and its verification that the distillery meets all such criteria, the division shall add the designation of craft distiller on the distillery’s license.

What types of liquor products do craft distilleries make?

Craft distilleries are permitted to manufacture branded products. Branded products are defined as any distilled spirits product that:

  1. Is owned by a craft distillery;
  2. Contains distilled spirits that are manufactured by distilling, rectifying, or blending by the craft distillery on its licensed premises; and
  3. Has a federal certificate and label approval by the Federal Government.
Can craft distilleries’ branded products be sold directly to consumers?

A craft distillery may sell directly to consumers up to 75,000 gallons per calendar year of branded products that are manufactured by the craft distillery on its premises. A craft distillery may sell branded products directly to consumers by the drink for consumption on the premises or by the package in factory-sealed containers for consumption off the premises. Such sales are authorized only in the craft distillery’s souvenir gift shop or tasting room located on private property contiguous to the licensed premises.

Destination Entertainment Venues:

What is a Destination Entertainment Venue?

A Destination Entertainment Venue (“DEV”) means a venue that:

  1. Is located in a designated community redevelopment area authorized under an adopted community redevelopment plan to support urban redevelopment and economic development;
  2. Is owned by any person licensed as a craft distillery located within the destination entertainment venue;
  3. Is adjacent to and served by multimodal transportation options, including, at a minimum, bicycle and pedestrian trails included on an adopted city or county trails map and mass transit routes established by a city, county, or regional transportation authority; and
  4. Is located within a contiguous area of at least 15 acres, including associated parking and stormwater requirements as required by local law, regulation, or ordinance, and that contains:
    1. At least one indoor event venue with a minimum capacity of 150 people which is fully serviced by a connected onsite kitchen;
    2. At least one outdoor event venue with a minimum capacity of 1,000 people which has regularly occurring live entertainment on a stage that is at least 12 feet deep and 16 feet wide; and
    3. One or more licensed craft distilleries sharing identical ownership.
    Can a Craft Distillery be licensed as a Vendor in a Destination Entertainment Venue?

    Upon payment of the appropriate fees, a craft distillery licensed in this state may be licensed as a vendor only for consumption on the premises of alcoholic beverages manufactured by other manufacturers and acquired through a distributor. The craft distillery must be located on property within a destination entertainment venue and be in operation and open for tours during normal business hours at least 5 days a week. Additionally, the vendor license may be issued only for the premises included on the licensed premises sketch on file with the division for the craft distillery, including its souvenir gift shop or tasting room.

    A craft distillery licensed as a vendor shall be treated as a vendor and is subject to all provisions relating to such vendors licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on premises. A craft distillery licensed as a vendor may not make package sales for off-premises consumption or make any delivery or shipment of alcoholic beverages away from the destination entertainment venue or the craft distillery, unless such shipment or delivery is authorized for a craft distillery under section 565.03, Florida Statutes.

    Beverage Tastings:

    Who can conduct a spirituous beverage tasting?

    A licensed distributor of spirituous beverages, a craft distillery, or any vendor is authorized to conduct spirituous beverage tastings upon any licensed premises authorized to sell spirituous beverages by package or for consumption on premises, provided that the conduct of the spirituous beverage tasting shall be limited to and directed toward the general public of the age of legal consumption.

    Where else may a craft distillery conduct tastings?

    Craft distilleries may conduct tastings and sales of distilled spirits produced by the craft distilleries at Florida fairs, trade shows, farmers markets, expositions, and festivals. The division shall issue permits to craft distilleries for such tastings and sales. A craft distillery must pay all entry fees and must have a distillery representative present during the event. The permit is limited to the duration and physical location of the event.

    Electronic Fingerprinting FAQs

    Applicants can use any Livescan vendor that has been approved by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to submit their fingerprints to the department. Please ensure that the Originating Agency Identification (ORI) number is provided to the vendor when you submit your fingerprints. If you do not provide an ORI number or if you provide an incorrect ORI number to the vendor, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation will not receive your fingerprint results. The applicant is fully responsible for selecting the vendor and ensuring submission of the prints to the department.

    When should I submit my fingerprints if I am applying for a license?

    We suggest that you submit your fingerprints using a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) approved Livescan Device Vendor at least 5 days prior to submitting your application for licensure. This will allow sufficient time for FDLE to process your fingerprints and submit the results to the Department. If your fingerprint results are not received by the Department at the time your application is being processed, your application will be deemed incomplete.

    How do I find a Livescan vendor in order to submit my fingerprints to the department?

    The Department of Business and Professional Regulation accepts electronic fingerprinting service offered by Livescan device vendors that are approved by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and listed at their site. You can view the vendor options and contact information at Livescan Device Vendors List.

    What information must I provide to the Livescan vendor I choose?

    If you are an applicant seeking a license for any profession regulated by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which requires a criminal background search as a condition of licensure, you must provide accurate demographic information at the time your fingerprints are taken. Please make sure that you clearly identify the profession for which you are seeking to be licensed or select “Temporary License for Military Spouse” and submit your fingerprints payment to the vendor. Any inaccurate information that you provide could cause a delay in processing your request. You must provide the correct ORI number

    Where do I get the ORI number to submit to the vendor?

    The following professions require submission of electronic fingerprints as a part of the licensure application. The ORI number identifies the correct profession and the agency that is responsible for processing your request. The ORI numbers are indicated next to each profession.

    Real Estate Sales and Brokers -FL920010Z
    Real Estate Appraisers – FL922050Z
    Construction – FL923400Z
    Community Association Managers – FL921932Z
    Talent Agents – FL921670Z
    Athlete Agents – FL922040Z
    Employee Leasing – FL921880Z
    Alcoholic, Beverages and Tobacco – FL 920150Z
    Home Inspectors – FL 924250Z
    Mold Remediation or Assessment – FL 924260Z
    Temporary License for Military Spouse – FL 924270Z (All Boards)
    Drugs, Devices & Cosmetics – FL 924780Z
    Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes (FCTMH) – FL921900Z
    Pari-Mutuel Wagering (PMW) – FL920630Z
    Pari-Mutuel Slots (PMW) – FL923230Z

    FDLE will only retain the criminal results from applicants for a period of six months from the date the fingerprints were rolled. Applicants should submit their applications soon after submitting their fingerprints in order to afford themselves an opportunity to resolve any application deficiencies prior to the expiration of the criminal history results

    How does the electronic fingerprinting process actually work?

    In the traditional method of fingerprinting, ink is applied to each of your fingers which are then “rolled” across a fingerprint card to obtain your prints. With electronic fingerprinting, there is no ink or card. Your fingerprints are “rolled” across a glass plate and scanned. It is faster and cleaner than the traditional method. Electronic fingerprinting reduces the likelihood of illegible fingerprints and will reduce the overall application processing time.

    How long will it take to have my fingerprints scanned?

    It should only take approximately 5-10 minutes.

    How much does electronic fingerprinting cost?

    The total fee charged by each vendor varies. Please contact the vendor to obtain this information. The fingerprint results are usually received by the department two to four days after your fingerprints are scanned. You can view the vendor options and contact information at Livescan Device Vendors List.

    What do I need to bring with me to the Florida electronic fingerprinting site?

    All applicants will be required to bring two (2) forms of identification to the electronic fingerprinting site on the day of scheduled fingerprinting. One of the two types of identification must bear your picture and signature such as a driver’s license, state identification card or passport. Applicants cannot be permitted to be fingerprinted without proper identification

    I submitted my fingerprint through an FDLE approved vendor, but I have now received a deficiency letter regarding my fingerprints? What should I do?

    As of the date of the mailing of the deficiency letter, your electronic fingerprinting results have not been transmitted to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. We will not be able to process your application until we have received this information. You should contact your fingerprint vendor to determine if they have submitted the prints to the FDLE for processing. Vendor contact information can be viewed at Livescan Device Vendors List.

    What should I do if I am notified by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement or the Federal Bureau of Investigation determined my electronic fingerprints were illegible?

    The electronic fingerprint scanning machines are equipped to determine if your fingerprints scanned successfully; however, if it is determined by the Federal Bureau of Investigation that your prints were not legible, we will send you a notification letter asking you to go back to the same vendor that did your initial prints and schedule a re-roll of your prints. You will be required to bring the notification letter with you as information such as the TCN (Transaction Control Number) and TCR (Transaction Control Reference) must be identified and used at the time of the reroll.

    How long are my fingerprints valid for?

    DBPR will retain results of the prints for 12 months from the date your digital fingerprints were electronically received by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. FDLE retain the prints for 180 days only. If your prints have expired at the time your application is submitted to the department, you will be required to submit new prints again.

    Can I use my recent prints to apply for another professional license?

    Per FBI regulation, your prints cannot be shared between professions or with other agencies. You are required to have separate prints for each license you are applying for, using the correct ORI.

    What kind of assistance can the DBPR provide if I have problems with a Livescan vendor?

    As an applicant, you have the choice to select a vendor approved by the FDLE. Since DBPR does not approve or regulate Livescan vendors, you will be fully responsible for the fingerprint submission and for ensuring that the prints have been timely submitted to the FDLE. The DBPR retrieves the fingerprint results from the Department of Law Enforcement through a secure web site. We suggest that you ask the vendor for a receipt showing payment date and other pertinent information in case you need to go back to them for assistance.

    If I am living out of state, how do I submit my fingerprints without having to travel to Florida?

    Go to the FDLE Livescan Device Vendors List and choose a Livescan vendor that is certified as “hard card scanning capable”. These vendors have the ability to process fingerprints through additional methods, including the use of hard copy fingerprint cards. If the vendor requests that you provide a fingerprint card, you may call the Department of Business and Professional Regulation at 850.487.1395 to obtain one. When requesting a card, please specify the profession for which you are seeking licensure.

    What if I am living out of state and unable to secure my fingerprints through a “hard card scanning” capable vendor?

    If you are unable to obtain fingerprinting services through an FDLE approved “hard card scanning capable” vendor, please contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulation by calling 850.487.1395 to request the alternative procedure for fingerprint processing and fingerprint card. Each fingerprint card has a specific ORI code identifying the profession. When requesting a card, please specify the profession for which you are seeking licensure. Once the fingerprint card is received, you may then go to a local law enforcement office in your area to have your fingerprints rolled onto the card. Other information will be completed at the local law enforcement agency. For all programs, the completed card must be mailed to: FLDBPR, Florida Fingerprinting Program, Prints Inc., 119 East Park Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32301, where the fingerprint card will be scanned. Prior to mailing your fingerprint card, you must complete the steps listed at https://pearson.ibtfingerprint.com/ in order to register and make an advance payment of $50.00 plus Florida Sales Tax. Do not send any money to Prints Inc. Out of State Alcoholic Beverage and Tobacco Applicants only: Your fingerprint card can be obtained from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation by contacting the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco at 850.488.8284, or one of the division’s district offices. A listing of the district offices can be found here.. Once the fingerprint card is received, you may then go to a local law enforcement officer in your area to have your fingerprints rolled onto the card. Information specific to the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco will be preprinted on the fingerprint card. Other information will be completed at the local law enforcement agency. The instructions for submitting your fingerprint card are outlined above.

    What happens after I get my fingerprints done using a Livescan vendor?

    The Livescan vendor will send your scanned fingerprint images to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) using the ORI number you provide to the vendor. The FDLE/FBI will process the fingerprints and provide the results to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, usually within three to five business days from the scan date. You do not have to do anything with your fingerprint results unless the department contacts you for additional information.

    How can I determine the status of my Livescan transaction?

    The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has developed a new feature that will allow an individual or organization to perform a search to determine the status of an applicant Livescan transaction. The Civil Workflow Control System (CWCS) serves as the FDLE automated applicant criminal history request system. The status of a CWCS transaction can now be provided from a search within the newly developed “Civil Workflow Control System Transaction Status Search”. The only identifier needed to perform the search is the Transaction Control Number (TCN) which is generated at the time the applicant information and fingerprints are captured. The “Civil Workflow Control System Transaction Status Search” is available to the public at: https://web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/tcnlookup

    What happens if the fingerprint results indicate that I have a criminal history?

    If you have a criminal history, your application will be reviewed by the department to ensure that your criminal history will not statutorily disqualify you from becoming licensed in that particular profession. Depending on the type of criminal offense(s), your application might require board review or require your personal appearance before the board. You will be notified in writing of any required appearance before the board.