Florida Legislative Update: What HB 87 and SB 392 Could Mean for Alcohol, Hospitality, and Restaurant BusinessesJanuary 2026Florida’s 2026 legislative session could bring meaningful changes for Florida restaurants, bars, hotels, and hospitality businesses navigating alcohol licensing. This blog breaks down proposed bills HB 87 and SB 392, which would lower square footage, seating, and capacity thresholds for qualifying food service establishments seeking special beverage licenses—potentially expanding eligibility for smaller or chef-driven concepts, urban locations, and renovation projects—while keeping core food-revenue requirements intact. It explains what the proposed changes mean, why they matter during openings or expansions, key timing considerations ahead of a possible July 1, 2026 effective date, and how Spirit Law Partners helps businesses plan strategically, and avoid licensing delay as the legislation evolves.Read More »
Florida Open Carry Law 2025 Update: What Alcohol-Licensed Businesses Need to KnowNovember 2025The recent McDaniels v. State decision striking down Florida’s long-standing open-carry ban has left businesses navigating new and often confusing compliance responsibilities. While open carry is now permitted statewide, significant firearm restrictions remain, especially for alcohol-licensed premises where areas “primarily devoted” to serving or consuming alcohol continue to prohibit open carry. As the hospitality, alcohol, and retail sectors adjust to the ruling, operators must reassess restricted zones, update signage, train staff, refine lease language, review insurance considerations, and monitor upcoming legislative clarification expected in 2026. Spirit Law Partners, drawing on extensive experience across alcohol beverage law, firearm regulation, and mixed-use operational compliance, guides businesses through these evolving requirements and helps them develop practical, safety-focused policies aligned with Florida’s updated legal landscape.Read More »
