JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In a unanimous vote, the Florida Senate has given a thumbs up to a bill that would ease restrictions on craft distilleries in the state.
Republican Sen. Travis Hutson is the sponsor of Senate Bill 46, which he says levels the playing field.
“Senate Bill 46 attempts to put our craft distilleries on the same playing field nationally as other states,” Hutson was quoted by Florida Politics as having told the Senate Rules Committee.
As noted in the bill, the term “craft distillery” now refers to a licensed distillery in Florida which distills or blends 250,000 gallons or less of spirits per calendar years on its premises. That’s a sizeable increase in the annual production limit from 75,000 gallons.
“It’s going to give us the ability to expand our region or footprint,” explained Ian Haensly, co-founder of Burlock and Barrel in Riverside. “It will help us get out throughout the entire state of Florida a little faster.”
The distillery may sell directly to consumers up to 75,000 gallons per calendar year of branded products manufactured at the distillery.
Additionally, effective July 1, 2026, a minimum of 60% of a craft distillery’s total finished branded product has to be distilled in Florida. It also must contain one or more of the state’s agricultural products.
The bill also defines what qualifies as an “destination entertainment venue,” offering distilleries that meet a certain criteria to essentially act as a bar.
“The addition of the capability of being a bar or having an area to serve drinks will also increase any opportunities we have here or creating jobs,” said Colin Edwards, Burlock and Barrel co-founder.
A companion bill -- HB 737 -- is still making its way through the House.
Here’s a copy of SB 46: