Florida Alcohol Delivery: Rules, Open Container Laws, and What Time You Can Deliver Alcohol

Florida’s booming food-delivery market now includes alcohol—but delivering it isn’t as simple as dropping off a pizza. Delivery drivers, restaurant owners, and business managers must follow strict state rules to ensure alcohol is transported safely and legally. From sealed container laws to local delivery curfews, the rules protect both consumers and drivers.
Oct 6
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If you’re an aspiring or current alcohol delivery driver, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about Florida alcohol delivery laws, open-container regulations, and delivery hour limits. It also explains why completing a recognized alcohol-delivery training—such as the National Alcohol Delivery Training Certification—is an essential step to build compliance knowledge and professionalism in this growing sector.

Is Alcohol Delivery Legal in Florida?

Yes—Florida law allows licensed vendors and restaurants to deliver alcohol directly to customers, provided they meet specific requirements under Florida Statutes § 565.045.

Alcohol delivery was permanently legalized in Florida after the success of temporary pandemic-era measures. However, businesses must follow the food-revenue requirement and sealed-container rules to remain compliant.

Key Provisions (Florida Statutes § 565.045)

  • Licensed Vendors Only:
    Only vendors with a state alcohol license (typically restaurants or retailers) may deliver alcohol directly to customers.

  • Food Requirement:
    Alcoholic beverages may only be delivered with a food purchase, and food + non-alcoholic drinks must make up at least 40% of the total order price (excluding alcohol).

  • Who Can Deliver:
    Deliveries may be made by the restaurant’s employees or authorized third-party services under written contract acting as the vendor’s agent.

  • Sealed Containers:
    Alcohol must be delivered in its original manufacturer-sealed container or a tamper-evident package sealed by the vendor.

  • Food + Alcohol Combo:
    Alcohol cannot be delivered by itself—it must accompany a meal or substantial food item in the same order.

Requirements for Delivering Alcohol in Florida

If you’re a driver handling alcohol orders, here are the compliance checkpoints you must meet before every delivery.

Age Requirements
  • You must be at least 21 years old to deliver alcoholic beverages in Florida.
  • Recipients must also be 21 years or older and present valid photo identification.

Verification of Customer ID
Florida law requires drivers to verify and record the customer’s age at the time of delivery.
  • Acceptable IDs include state driver’s licenses, passports, and military IDs.
  • If the recipient appears intoxicated or cannot provide ID, the delivery must be refused.
  • Digital platforms (Uber Eats, DoorDash, Instacart, etc.) often require you to scan the ID through the app.

Packaging and Sealed Containers
  • Alcohol must remain in manufacturer-sealed containers or sealed by the restaurant in tamper-evident bags.
  • Drivers cannot open, repackage, or reseal alcohol after pickup.
  • Mixing or pouring drinks in the vehicle is illegal.
  • Containers must be clearly labeled as alcoholic and remain sealed until handed to the customer.

Transport and Vehicle Rules
  • Store alcohol behind the last upright seat or in a locked trunk.
  • Never keep alcohol in the front passenger area.
  • Keep a copy of the vendor’s license or delivery authorization in your vehicle during shifts.

Record Keeping
Vendors (and contracted delivery services) must retain:
  • Transaction records for at least 60 days.
  • Proof of delivery with a customer signature.
  • Documentation of each delivery driver’s training and authorization.

Florida Open-Container Laws Explained

Florida’s open-container law—Statute 316.1936—is particularly strict for drivers transporting alcohol.

Definition of an Open Container
An “open container” is any alcoholic beverage container whose seal is broken or that is immediately capable of being consumed.
  • Examples include opened bottles, unsealed cans, or drinks served in cups or to-go cocktail glasses.
  • Even resealed containers with a broken manufacturer’s seal are considered open.

Prohibited Conduct
  • Drivers cannot possess any open alcoholic container in the passenger area of a vehicle on a public roadway.
  • The alcohol must be stored in a locked trunk or sealed compartment out of reach.

Penalties
Violating open-container laws can result in:
  • Fines up to $500.
  • License suspension for repeat offenses.
  • Employer penalties if the violation occurs during delivery work.

Exceptions
  • Taxis, limousines, and chartered buses—passengers may possess open containers, but drivers may not.
  • Resealed wine bottles from restaurants are permitted if placed in a sealed bag and stored in the trunk.

For delivery drivers, this means never deliver or transport open alcohol, even if the customer requests a “togo cocktail.” Every order must stay sealed.

When Can You Deliver Alcohol in Florida?

The hours for alcohol delivery in Florida depend on both state law and local ordinances.

Statewide Guidelines

  • Alcohol deliveries must stop when the vendor stops preparing food or at midnight, whichever comes first.

  • Vendors can only deliver during their licensed sales hours.

Typical Local Cutoffs

  • Most counties restrict alcohol sales between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m.

  • Miami-Dade County and a few others allow alcohol sales 24 hours a day.

  • Sunday restrictions vary widely—some counties ban alcohol sales before noon, while others permit it all day.

How Drivers Can Stay Compliant

  • Confirm the vendor’s license hours before accepting deliveries.

  • Follow GPS routes that avoid crossing into dry or restricted municipalities.

  • If a customer orders close to cutoff time, complete the delivery before the legal limit.

  • Always retain digital or printed order confirmation with timestamps.

Training and Certification: Why It Matters for Delivery Drivers

While Florida does not require state-approved alcohol-delivery training, the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT) strongly encourages vendors to train all employees under its Responsible Vendor Program (RVP).

The Responsible Vendor Program (RVP)

  • The RVP is voluntary, but businesses that participate may receive liability protections under Florida law.

  • It trains staff to identify fake IDs, refuse intoxicated customers, and follow proper storage laws.

  • Restaurants and retailers with certified training can reduce insurance premiums and legal exposure.

How the National Alcohol Delivery Training Certification Helps

Even without formal state approval, the National Alcohol Delivery Training Certification provides the same core knowledge areas covered by RVP training, including:

  • Federal and Florida alcohol laws.
  • Age verification techniques and ID scanning.
  • Handling intoxicated or aggressive customers.
  • Safe transport and delivery record-keeping.
  • Liability awareness and professional conduct.

For delivery platforms and independent contractors, this certification builds trust and credibility with both vendors and customers while reducing risk.

Best Practices for Alcohol Delivery Drivers in Florida

To maintain compliance and safety, follow these practical guidelines before, during, and after each delivery.

Before Pickup

  • Check the order receipt for alcohol items and food total—ensure food represents at least 40% of the order price.

  • Inspect that all alcohol items are sealed and labeled.

  • Have the vendor’s license and your driver credentials on hand.

During Transport

  • Place alcohol in the trunk or back seat area—never in reach of the driver.

  • Do not open, reseal, or tamper with packaging.

  • Drive directly to the delivery address; avoid detours.

At Delivery

  • Verify customer age (21+) using valid ID.

  • Scan or record the ID information if your platform requires it.

  • Politely refuse delivery if the customer is intoxicated or cannot show ID.

  • Obtain a signature or digital confirmation before completing the transaction.

After Delivery

  • Log delivery completion in your app or delivery sheet.

  • Keep transaction records secure for employer audits.

  • Report any irregularities or customer incidents immediately.

Penalties for Violations

Failing to follow Florida’s alcohol delivery laws can lead to serious consequences for both drivers and vendors. Delivering alcohol to a minor is one of the most severe violations, punishable by fines of up to $1,000, potential misdemeanor charges, and even license suspension. Delivering alcohol to an intoxicated customer carries both civil and criminal liability, and businesses risk losing their vendor’s alcohol license entirely.

Drivers who are caught with an open container of alcohol in the vehicle’s passenger area can receive a traffic citation, face fines of up to $500, and may have points added to their driving record. Delivering alcohol outside of legal hours can result in administrative penalties or termination of contracts for third-party drivers. Additionally, vendors who fail to verify customer IDs or maintain proper delivery records could face fines of up to $5,000 from Florida’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT).

These penalties highlight how important it is for drivers and businesses to follow proper procedures. Completing responsible alcohol delivery training helps minimize risk and ensures every driver fully understands their legal responsibilities under Florida law.

Why Responsible Alcohol Training Still Matters

Even though Florida does not currently require state-approved alcohol-delivery certification, having professional training demonstrates commitment to safety, compliance, and customer trust. Employers increasingly prefer or require proof of training before authorizing drivers to handle alcohol orders.

If you’re in the hospitality or delivery industry, consider completing:

Together, these courses help drivers and hospitality professionals maintain compliance, protect their employers, and operate confidently under Florida’s evolving alcohol laws.

Get Trained and Deliver Alcohol with Confidence in Florida

Florida’s alcohol delivery laws may seem complex—but understanding the essentials is the best way to stay compliant, protect your job, and provide responsible service. Always remember:

  • Deliver only sealed containers with food.
  • Verify every customer’s age.
  • Keep alcohol stored safely in your vehicle.
  • Follow local ordinances and licensed delivery hours.

By staying informed and pursuing professional training, you’ll stand out as a trusted, reliable alcohol delivery driver in the Sunshine State.

To take your professionalism further, enroll in the National Alcohol Delivery Training Certification today. For hospitality employees who serve or sell alcohol on-site, explore the Florida Alcohol Responsible Vendor Training. Both programs strengthen your compliance knowledge, protect your career, and contribute to safer alcohol service across Florida.