Florida Bartending License: Key Findings
Holding a Florida bartending license isn’t required by law, but many employers prefer certified staff who have completed responsible alcohol service training. This article will show you how to get a bartending certification in Florida and kick-start your career behind the bar.
What Is a Florida Bartending License?
A bartending license is an official document required in some states to serve alcoholic beverages for immediate consumption. Since laws vary, not every state makes it mandatory.
In Florida, bartenders themselves do not need a state-issued bartending license. Instead, it’s the establishment (bar, restaurant, or retailer) that must hold the proper alcohol license. As long as you meet the age and eligibility requirements, you can legally serve alcohol.
For a quick overview of Florida’s alcohol license types (2APS, 2COP, 4COP) that businesses need to operate, check out this video:
What Is a Florida Bartending Certification?
A bartending certification proves that you’ve successfully passed a bartending course. Oftentimes, this encompasses enrolling in a bartending school.
These schools offer practical training aimed at teaching you important Bartender skills. Additionally, they cover topics such as responsible alcohol service and best practices for alcohol-related situations.
Some schools also offer quick courses that only cover serving alcohol responsibly and can be taken online.
Holding a certification isn’t mandatory to get hired as a Bartender. However, the government of Florida encourages vendors to have their employees earn the Florida Responsible Vendor Program (RVP) certification.
RVP is a voluntary initiative designed to promote responsible alcohol service and reduce liability for establishments.
Completing the RVP proves that the owner, manager or Bartender has successfully passed the necessary training to serve alcohol in a legal and safe manner.
The program covers topics such as the laws regarding selling alcohol, how to identify fake IDs and how to deal with intoxicated customers.
The objective of the program is to teach you how to serve alcoholic beverages responsibly and react in alcohol-related situations.
Vendors in Florida are incentivized by the government to have their employees complete the program. If they do and adhere to all the regulations, they may be eligible for a reduction in their liability insurance premiums.
Recommended Alcohol Server Training Programs in Florida
Several reputable organizations offer alcohol server training programs that comply with Florida's RVP requirements.
Completing any of these programs can enhance your credentials and appeal to potential employers.
TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS)
The Florida TIPS On-Premise Online Course is a nationally recognized certification program that meets the requirements of Florida’s Responsible Vendor Act. This course is designed to educate Bartenders and alcohol Servers on responsible alcohol service and handling alcohol-related situations.
Key topics covered in the TIPS course include:
- Identifying fake IDs and preventing underage sales
- Recognizing signs of intoxication and handling difficult customers
- De-escalation techniques to manage challenging situations
- Understanding legal responsibilities under Florida alcohol laws
TIPS also offers off-Premise courses for liquor store employees and specific training for those working in casinos, stadiums and concession services. Obtaining a TIPS certification can significantly improve your job prospects and help establishments comply with state regulations.
Serving Alcohol Inc
Serving Alcohol Inc. provides comprehensive online alcohol server training tailored to Florida’s Responsible Vendor Program. Their courses cover essential bartending and alcohol safety topics, including:
- State laws regarding alcohol sales and service
- Handling intoxicated patrons responsibly
- Understanding liability laws for bartenders and servers
- Techniques to improve customer safety and satisfaction
Upon completion, participants receive a recognized certification that helps meet Florida’s responsible vendor training requirements.
SellerServerOnline.com
SellerServerOnline.com offers state-approved Florida alcohol server training courses that fulfill the Responsible Vendor Act guidelines. Their courses are designed for Bartenders, Servers and alcohol retailers looking to legally and responsibly serve alcohol in Florida.
Key benefits of choosing SellerServerOnline.com:
- 100% online and self-paced training for convenience
- Covers essential topics like carding techniques, identifying intoxication and handling refusals
- Meets Florida’s legal training requirements for alcohol servers
- Instant certification upon successful completion
By completing a SellerServerOnline.com training course, Bartenders and alcohol Servers can enhance their employability, protect their establishment from liability and ensure compliance with Florida’s alcohol laws.
How Much Is a Bartending Certification in Florida?
The cost of obtaining a certification varies depending on the Florida bartending school you choose to enroll in.
Some of them offer practical training and are designed to help you improve your bartending skills while also teaching you important practices of responsible alcohol service. Such schools typically charge more.
Others operate as online schools and only focus on selling alcohol responsibly. They usually charge less and take no more than a few hours to complete.
The cost earning a bartending certification in Florida varies between $12.95 and $650, as seen in the list below:
- Serving Alcohol Inc – $12.95
- Florida Bartending School – $295
- 786-Bartend – $495
- ABC Bartending School – $495
- Elite Bartending School and Event Staffing – $650
What Qualifications Do I Need to Become a Bartender?
Although the legal drinking age in the U.S. is 21, laws for serving alcohol aren’t the same in all states. In Florida, you can legally serve alcohol once you’re 18.
Establishments are also not allowed to hire Bartenders who have, in the past five years, been convicted of a felony.
Although earning a Bartender certification isn’t mandatory, it’s a smart thing to do before you start applying for the role. Many establishments prefer to hire candidates who have completed a training course, as this proves the candidate has the essential skills for bartending and handling difficult alcohol-related situations.
Age Requirements for Bartending in Florida
In Florida, individuals must be at least 18 years old to serve alcohol in establishments where consumption occurs on the premises, such as bars and restaurants.
However, for off-premises sales, like in liquor stores, there is no minimum age requirement specified by state law. It's important to note that while state law sets these minimums, individual employers may impose stricter age requirements based on their policies.
Extra Tips for Beginner Bartenders in Florida
If you’re considering a career as a Bartender you may also want to check out:
- Bartender Salary Trends
- Top 10 Bartender Jobs in Miami
- Florida Labor Laws
- Renewing your bartending license
Florida Bartending License: Conclusion
Florida may not require a bartending license, but getting certified can fast-track your career, boost your job prospects and increase your earning potential. Whether you're looking to work in a high-end bar, a beachside resort or a local pub, having a TIPS certification or completing a SellerServerOnline.com course will set you apart.
Written by Mitko Terziev
With over eight years of experience in the field, Mitko is a seasoned content specialist who has penned thousands of articles covering a wide array of topics. Before writing, he spent a few months working as a Bartender in one of the best bars in his hometown. In his free time, Mitko enjoys immersing himself in the worlds of gaming and nature.
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