What is the legal drinking age in Florida?

The law is section 562.111 of the Florida Statutes. A first violation by a person under 21 is a second-degree misdemeanor. A further violation, after a first conviction, is a first-degree misdemeanor.

The section has three exceptions. First, it does not apply to a person working for a licensed business under section 562.13 while doing that job. Second, a person 18 or older may work in the sale, preparation or service of alcoholic beverages on licensed premises, in a business licensed by the state to sell alcohol or to run a restaurant or hotel. Third, a student at least 18 years old may taste, but not drink, alcoholic beverages as part of a required course at an accredited college, as long as the alcohol stays in the control of instructors who are 21 or older. Those are the only exceptions written into this section.

Businesses have their own age rule. Under section 562.13, a business with a state alcohol license generally may not employ anyone under 18. That section lists exceptions, among them grocery stores, drugstores and gas stations that sell beer or wine to take home, and some restaurant jobs where the young worker does not sell, prepare or serve the drinks.

For a question about a specific case, ask a Florida attorney.

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