STORAGE NAME: h6015.IPA
DATE: 3/4/2025
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FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
BILL ANALYSIS
This bill analysis was prepared by nonpartisan committee staff and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
BILL #: HB 6015
TITLE: Limitation of Size of Individual Wine Containers
SPONSOR(S): Oliver
COMPANION BILL: None
LINKED BILLS: None
RELATED BILLS: HB 161 Hinson; SB 578 (Leek)
Committee References
Industries & Professional Activities
Commerce
SUMMARY
Effect of the Bill:
The bill provides an exception to the limitations on the size of individual wine containers by allowing the sale of
wine in any container holding 5.16 gallons instead of only allowing the sale wine in reusable containers holding
5.16 gallons.
Fiscal or Economic Impact:
The bill may have a positive fiscal impact on wine sellers by relaxing the limitation on the types of individual wine
containers.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
ANALYSIS
EFFECT OF THE BILL:
The bill provides an exception to the limitations on the size of individual wine containers by allowing the sale of
wine in any container holding 5.16 gallons instead of only allowing the sale of wine in reusable containers holding
5.16 gallons. (Section 1).
The effective date of the bill is July 1, 2025. (Section 2).
RELEVANT INFORMATION
SUBJECT OVERVIEW:
Alcoholic Beverages
In Florida, the Beverage Law
1 regulates the manufacture, distribution, and sale of wine, beer, and liquor by
manufacturers, distributors, and vendors.
2 The Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (Division) in the
Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) administers and enforces the Beverage Law.
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The Beverage Law defines “alcoholic beverages” as “distilled spirits and all beverages containing one-half of 1
percent or more alcohol by volume.”
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The license and registration classifications used in the Beverage Law include the following:
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1
S. 561.01(6), F.S., provides that “The Beverage Law” includes chapters 561, 562, 563, 564, 565, 567, and 568, F.S.
2
See s. 561.14, F.S.
3
Ss. 561.02, and 561.08, F.S.
4
S. 561.01(4), F.S.
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s. 561.14, F.S. JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
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“Manufacturers” are those “licensed to manufacture alcoholic beverages and distribute the same at
wholesale to licensed distributors and to no one else within the state, unless authorized by statute.”
“Distributors” are those “licensed to sell and distribute alcoholic beverages at wholesale to persons who are
licensed to sell alcoholic beverages.”
“Importers” are those licensed to sell, or to cause to be sold, shipped, and invoiced, alcoholic beverages to
licensed manufacturers or licensed distributors, and to no one else in this state.
“Vendors” are those “licensed to sell alcoholic beverages at retail only” and may not “purchase or acquire in
any manner for the purpose of resale any alcoholic beverages from any person not licensed as a vendor,
manufacturer, bottler, or distributor under the Beverage Law.”
Wine Container Limitations
“Wine” is defined as all beverages made from fresh fruits, berries, or grapes, either by natural fermentation or by
natural fermentation with brandy added, in the manner required by the laws and regulations of the United States,
and includes all sparkling wines, champagnes, combination of the aforesaid beverages, sake, vermouths, and like
products. Sugar, flavors, and coloring materials may be added to wine to make it conform to the consumer’s taste,
except that the ultimate flavor or the color of the product may not be altered to imitate a beverage other than wine
or to change the character of the wine.
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Current law governing limitations of the size of wine containers:
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Prohibits the sale of wine in an individual container that holds more than one gallon except for:
o Wine sold in a reusable container holding 5.16 gallons; or
o Wine sold in a glass container holding 4.5 liters, 6 liters, 9 liters, 12 liters, or 15 liters.
Authorizes qualified distributors and manufacturers to sell wine to other qualified distributors and
manufacturers in any size container.
Requires wine sold or offered for sale by a licensed vendor to be consumed off-premises to be in the
unopened original container, except for restaurants in certain situations.
Provides that violations are a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum $500 fine and 60
days in prison.
RECENT LEGISLATION:
YEAR BILL # HOUSE SPONSOR(S) SENATE SPONSOR OTHER INFORMATION
2024 CS/HB 583 LaMarca Trumbull The bill became law on July 1,
2024.
2023 HB 523 LaMarca Trumbull The bill passed the House, but
died in the Senate.
2022 HB 6031 LaMarca, Trumbull Brandes The bill passed the House, but
died in the Senate.
2021 HB 6073 LaMarca Brandes The bill passed the House, but
died in the Senate.
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S. 564.01, F.S.
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Ss. 564.05, and 564.09, F.S. JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
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BILL HISTORY
COMMITTEE REFERENCE ACTION DATE
STAFF
DIRECTOR/
POLICY CHIEF
ANALYSIS
PREPARED BY
Industries & Professional Activities
Subcommittee
Anstead Brackett
Commerce Committee