You don’t need a bartending license to work as a Bartender in Florida. However, many vendors prefer their employees to hold a certification proving that the employee has undergone training for responsible alcohol service.
This post will show you how to get a bartending certification in Florida and kick-start your career behind the bar.
What Is a Bartending License?
A bartending license is an official document that is required to serve alcoholic beverages for immediate consumption in open containers. However, since laws vary across the country, there are some states where holding a bartending license isn’t mandatory.
In Florida, you don’t have to get a bartending license. As long as you meet the age requirements and other criteria, you can work behind the bar and serve alcohol.
What Is a 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.
What Is RVP Certification?
Completing the Florida Responsible Vendor Program (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.
Understanding Florida’s Responsible Vendor Program
Florida’s Responsible Vendor Program (RVP) is a voluntary initiative designed to promote responsible alcohol service and reduce liability for establishments. While the state does not mandate alcohol server training, participation in the RVP offers benefits such as mitigation of certain penalties in the event of alcohol-related violations. To qualify, vendors must ensure that their employees, including Bartenders, complete approved responsible alcohol service training programs.
Recommended Alcohol Server Training Programs in Florida
Several reputable organizations offer alcohol server training programs that comply with Florida’s Responsible Vendor Program requirements. Notable among these are:
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
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.
Bartending License Florida FAQs
No, florida does not require a bartending license. However, many bars prefer certified Bartenders who have completed TIPS or SellerServerOnline.com training for responsible alcohol service.
Florida doesn’t require a license, but you can boost your chances of getting hired by completing a state-approved bartending certification from programs like TIPS, Serving Alcohol inc., or SellerServerOnline.com. These courses are available online and take just a few hours.
Prices range from $113 to $650, depending on the course. Affordable options include serving Alcohol inc. and sellerServerOnline.com for quick and recognized certification.
Yes! In Florida, you can legally serve alcohol as a Bartender at 18 years old, unlike some states that require you to be 21.
Get certified online, practice basic cocktail skills, apply to bars that hire beginners and network with industry professionals. Starting as a Barback can also help you get in the door quickly.
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.
Reviewed by Marcy Miniano
Marcy is an editor and writer with a background in public relations and brand marketing. Throughout her nearly decade-long career, she has honed her skills in crafting content and helping build brands across various industries — including restaurant and hospitality, travel, tech, fashion and entertainment.
