Florida is known for its beaches, nightlife, theme parks and a strong tourism economy. With millions of visitors every year, one of the most common questions people ask is: What time do they stop selling alcohol in Florida?
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Florida sets statewide guidelines, but individual counties and cities have the power to create their own rules. This means alcohol sale hours can vary dramatically depending on where you are in the state.
Below is a clear breakdown of the statewide law and how local rules may change things.
Statewide Alcohol Sale Guidelines
Under Florida law, retailers like grocery stores, gas stations, and liquor stores can sell alcohol during the following standard hours:
- Daily: 7:00 a.m. to Midnight
These statewide hours apply to the sale of beer, wine, and liquor for off-premise consumption.
However, Florida law also allows counties and cities to expand or limit these hours based on local choice. This is why alcohol sale times are very different across Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and the Florida Panhandle.
County and City Variations
1. Miami-Dade County
Known for its nightlife, Miami-Dade allows alcohol sales:
- 24 hours a day in many cities, including Miami Beach
- Some municipalities may impose earlier cutoffs
Miami is one of the most alcohol-friendly areas in the state.
2. Tampa (Hillsborough County)
Tampa allows:
- Alcohol sales from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m., seven days a week
Bars and stores both follow similar extended hours.
3. Orlando (Orange County)
Orlando sales hours are generally:
- 7:00 a.m. to Midnight for stores
- Bars can serve until 2:00 a.m.
Theme-park zones and nightlife districts may have slight extensions.
4. Jacksonville (Duval County)
Jacksonville permits:
- Alcohol sales from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
5. Florida Panhandle
Counties like Okaloosa and Bay follow more traditional hours:
- 7:00 a.m. to Midnight (some extend to 2:00 a.m.)
These regions tend to be more regulated than South Florida.
Bars, Restaurants, and Nightclubs
On-premise alcohol service (drinks served where consumed) also varies:
- Most Florida cities allow service until 2:00 a.m.
- Miami, Miami Beach, and parts of Tampa allow service until 3:00 a.m. or 5:00 a.m.
- A few tourist zones have 24/7 alcohol service
Local alcohol ordinances determine last call timing.
Sunday Alcohol Sales
Florida used to have strict Sunday restrictions, but most counties have repealed these “blue laws.” Today:
- Most places allow the same hours on Sunday as every other day
- Some rural counties still start sales later, around Noon
Holiday Sales
Florida does not prohibit alcohol sales on holidays.
Stores can sell alcohol on:
- Christmas
- Thanksgiving
- New Year’s
- Independence Day
Holiday hours depend on store policy, not state law.
Why Knowing Local Rules Matters
Because Florida’s alcohol laws can change from city to city, knowing local regulations helps you avoid:
- Late-night surprises
- Last-minute party issues
- Potential fines if you operate a business
Whether you’re a resident, tourist, or business owner, understanding Florida’s alcohol sale hours ensures a smooth, legal, and hassle-free experience.
