Recently proposed Florida legislation, HB 1053, seeks to increase the distance requirement between businesses providing on-premise consumption of alcohol and both schools and religious centers.

Currently, businesses providing on-premise consumption of alcohol, established after July 1, 1999, and deriving more than 51% of their gross revenues from alcohol sales, are prohibited from operating within 500 feet of a public or private elementary, middle, or secondary school. Effective July 1, 2024, HB 1053 seeks to increase this 500-foot barrier to 1,500 feet. Furthermore, it seeks to add religious institutions, daycare facilities and post-secondary schools to the restricted radius list. However, on-premise establishments operating before July 1, 2024, are exempt from the new 1,500-foot barrier restriction.

This restricted radius expansion could drastically limit the available real estate for certain hospitality establishments, particularly in densely populated areas. For landlords, hospitality groups, and existing businesses looking to expand, finding suitable locations for bars, nightclubs, or other social clubs could become increasingly challenging, and existing contracts and sites that aren’t yet operational could be at risk.

We will continue to monitor HB 1053 and share updates regarding its potential impacts on the hospitality industry. 

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