What is a Florida alcoholic beverages and tobacco bond? 

Florida Statutes Title 34 Chapter 561.37 requires individuals file a surety bond before being licensed as an alcoholic beverage or tobacco manufacturer or distributor. DBPR Form AB&T ABT-6032 is officially titled the “Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Surety Bond Form,” but it's more commonly known as the “Florida alcoholic beverage bond,” "tobacco surety bond," “tobacco tax bond,” or just “tobacco bond.” This bond form specifically requires licensed manufacturers and distributors to promptly pay all Florida state taxes according to the state's Beverage, Cigarette, and Tobacco Product Laws.

How much does a Florida alcohol and tobacco bond cost? 

Florida alcoholic beverages and tobacco bond costs start at $100 for the state-required 1-year term. Your exact annual premium will be based on your required bond amount. If your surety bond amount is more than $25,000, your invoice will be provided after a quick application review.

How do you get an alcoholic beverages and tobacco bond in Florida?

You can purchase your alcoholic beverages and tobacco bond online 24/7. Simply enter your required bond amount and provide the following information for Department of Business and Professional Regulation filing approval. 

• business name including DBA, if applicable 
• business address
• county
• license type
• license number, if applicable

Once your payment is processed, your official Florida surety bond will be emailed to you instantly. 

How fast can I get an alcoholic beverages and tobacco bond?

SuretyBonds.com offers instant Florida alcoholic beverages and tobacco bond delivery 24/7. Buy your bond now to receive your official alcoholic beverages and tobacco bond delivered in minutes by email. 

*Note: If your bond amount is more than $25,000, your purchase order will be reviewed by a team member before your documents are emailed.

Who needs a Florida alcoholic beverage or tobacco surety bond?

Florida statutes require you to file a surety bond with the DBPR if you or your business is licensed as any of the following in the state.  

• alcoholic beverage distributor
• alcoholic beverage manufacturer
• cigarette distributing agent
• cigarette wholesale distributor
• tobacco product wholesale distributor

Note that Florida law requires a separate bond be filed for each type of license or permit. 

Who requires me to have a Florida alcoholic beverages and tobacco bond?

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation regulates licensing for alcoholic beverage and tobacco distributors, manufacturers, and retailers. If you have questions about surety bond requirements, a new license application, or your current license status, you can contact the DBPR Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco by calling 1(850)487-1395 or filling out their online email contact form.

Once you've purchased and received your official Florida surety bond form, the DBPR requires you to file it with your local Auditing District Office.

Why do I need an alcohol and tobacco tax bond?

By filing this bond, you agree to pay all Florida state taxes owed for the beer, wine, bourbon, liquor, or tobacco products you manufacture or distribute in the state. If you fail to pay your state taxes as required, your bond protects the state from financial loss. Your issuing surety company will pay valid claims up to the full bond amount, which you must reimburse to your surety company in full. 

How do I update or change my bond form?

If the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation requires your surety bond documentation to be updated for any reason, contact your surety provider. If you purchased your alcoholic beverages and tobacco bond from SuretyBonds.com, email [email protected] to explain the needed change. The most common changes requested for these bonds are the company name or license number. 

Does a Florida alcoholic beverages and tobacco surety bond renew every year?

Yes, you must renew your alcoholic beverages and tobacco bond before its current 1-year term expires as long as you maintain your active tobacco or liquor license. Once you pay your SuretyBonds.com renewal invoice, we'll email you renewal instructions to keep your bond active for your next license term.

How do you get your alcohol or tobacco retailer license in Florida? 

Submit the following to your local Auditing District Office when applying for a tobacco or alcoholic beverage license.

• application
• surety bond in correct required amount
• Health/H&R approval
• zoning approval
• Department of Revenue approval
• related party personal information
• registration with Division of Corporations
• right of occupancy
• service agreements
• management contracts
• sketch of premises
• fingerprints
• fees

The DBPR will review your application and perform a business site inspection. If you pass the site inspection and your application is approved, you will be billed for your license fee. Upon payment, your annual license will be issued and mailed to you.

Learn in our step-by-step guide, How to Get an Alcohol or Tobacco License in Florida.