Do I need a permit to serve alcohol at my Florida wedding?

For private weddings where no alcohol is sold (open bar), you typically don't need an ABT permit. Venues serving alcohol must be licensed. Cash bars require proper licensing. Beach weddings on public beaches may have restrictions - always check local ordinances.

How much does a wedding bar cost in Florida?

Florida wedding bars typically cost $20-40 per person for DIY or $50-85 per person for venue packages. For 150 guests, expect $3,000-6,000 DIY or $7,500-12,750 for full service. Miami is most expensive, with Orlando and Tampa moderately priced.

Where can I buy bulk wedding alcohol in Florida?

Top options: Total Wine (60+ Florida locations, excellent selection), ABC Fine Wine & Spirits (Florida chain, case discounts), Costco (no membership required for alcohol in FL), and local warehouse clubs. All offer case discounts of 10-20%.

What drinks are popular at Florida weddings?

Florida weddings favor refreshing tropical drinks: mojitos, margaritas, piña coladas, and rum-based cocktails. Rosé and crisp white wines are popular. Light beers and Mexican lagers outperform heavy craft beers. The Cuban influence is strong in South Florida.

How does Florida heat affect wedding bar planning?

Florida's heat is a major factor year-round. Plan 2+ lbs of ice per person, 50% more than usual. Frozen drink machines are crowd favorites. Keep backup stock in air conditioning. Light, refreshing drinks outperform whiskey and heavy reds in summer.

Can I serve alcohol at a beach wedding in Florida?

It depends on the beach. Private resort beaches typically allow alcohol. Public beaches have varying rules - some Florida counties prohibit glass and alcohol on public beaches. Many couples opt for nearby indoor reception sites. Always verify local ordinances.

Florida Wedding Bar Guide 2026: Costs ($22-50/Guest), Laws & Beach Tips

Florida Wedding Bar: What You Need to Know

Florida is one of America's top wedding destinations, with beach ceremonies, resort celebrations, and year-round sunshine. But that sunshine means heat management is critical for your bar. Whether you're planning a Miami Art Deco wedding, a Tampa Bay waterfront celebration, Orlando resort affair, or Keys destination wedding, understanding Florida's unique needs will keep your guests cool and happy.

Florida Drinking Preferences

Florida's tropical climate and Latin influences shape what people drink:

35%

Beer

Light lagers, Mexican beers, Corona

35%

Cocktails

Mojitos, margaritas, rum drinks

30%

Wine

Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, bubbles

Popular Florida Wedding Drinks

Mojito: Cuban classic, refreshing, perfect for the heat
Margarita: Frozen or on the rocks, always a Florida favorite
Piña Colada: Tropical, crowd-pleasing, can be blended in batches
Dark 'n Stormy: Rum and ginger beer, easy batch cocktail
Rosé all day: Light, refreshing, Instagram-ready

Florida Wedding Bar Costs (2026)

Bar Type	Per Person	150 Guests	Notes
DIY (beer & wine)	$20-28	$3,000-4,200	+ bartender $300-500
DIY (full bar)	$32-40	$4,800-6,000	+ bartender $300-500
Venue package (standard)	$50-65	$7,500-9,750	All-inclusive
Venue package (premium)	$70-85	$10,500-12,750	Top-shelf + frozen drinks

Cost by Region

Prices vary across Florida markets:

Miami/South Beach: +20-35% above state average (luxury market)
Palm Beach: +15-25% above average (affluent demographic)
Florida Keys: +20-30% (island logistics, destination premium)
Orlando: On par with state average (competitive market)
Tampa Bay: -5% below average (affordable options)
Jacksonville: -10-15% below average (lower cost market)

Florida ABT Laws: What You Need to Know

Disclaimer

This is general information, not legal advice. Always verify current ABT regulations and check local ordinances for beach and outdoor venues.

Private vs. Public Events

Private wedding (no alcohol sold): Generally no permit needed
Venue-served alcohol: Venue must have proper license
Beach weddings: Rules vary by county and beach type
Public parks: Often require special permits or prohibit alcohol

Beach Wedding Considerations

Private resort beaches typically allow alcohol service
Some counties prohibit glass containers on beaches
Check county ordinances well in advance
Consider nearby indoor reception with outdoor ceremony

Where to Buy Bulk Alcohol in Florida

Total Wine

• 60+ Florida locations statewide
• 10-15% case discounts
• Huge selection
• 30-day returns

ABC Fine Wine & Spirits

• Florida-based chain
• Case discounts available
• Good local selection
• Friendly service

Costco

• No membership needed (FL law)
• Everyday low prices
• Great for basics
• Liberal return policy

BJ's / Sam's Club

• Throughout Florida
• Bulk pricing
• Good for beer cases
• Ice available in bulk

Heat Management: Critical for Florida

Florida Heat Planning (Year-Round)

Ice Requirements:

• 2-2.5 lbs per person (50% more than usual)
• For 150 guests: 300-375 lbs minimum
• Buy 50% extra for refills
• Pre-chill everything day before

Drink Adjustments:

• +25-30% more beer than standard
• +50% more non-alcoholic options
• Frozen drink machines are crowd favorites
• Reduce heavy reds, increase rosé/white

Hydration Station Must-Haves

Water Options:

• Infused water stations
• Sparkling water
• Coconut water

Mocktails:

• Virgin mojitos
• Agua frescas
• Fresh lemonade

Cooling Extras:

• Frozen fruit pops
• Frozen grapes in drinks
• Chilled towels

Florida Signature Cocktail Ideas

Miami Vice

Half piña colada, half strawberry daiquiri

Instagram-worthy, crowd favorite

Mojito

Rum, mint, lime, soda

Classic Cuban, batches well

Key Lime Pie Martini

Vodka, cream, key lime

Local Florida flair

Calculate Your Florida Wedding Bar

Get quantities adjusted for Florida's tropical climate plus local cost estimates.

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Sample Shopping List: 150 Guests (5 Hours)

Florida Wedding Bar (Tropical Theme)

Beer (35%)

• 6 cases Corona/Modelo
• 4 cases Bud Light/Michelob Ultra
• 3 cases local craft (Cigar City, etc.)

Spirits (35%)

• 4 bottles white rum (Bacardi)
• 3 bottles tequila (for margaritas)
• 2 bottles vodka
• 1 bottle dark rum

Wine (30%)

• 20 bottles Sauvignon Blanc
• 15 bottles rosé
• 8 bottles sparkling

Supplies (Extra for Heat)

• 400+ lbs ice
• Limes (10 lbs), mint (2 lbs)
• Frozen drink machine rental
• 2-3 bartenders

Estimated Total$4,500-6,500

Includes alcohol, bartenders, extra ice, supplies. Excludes venue fees.

Florida Wedding Bar Guide

Get Florida-Specific Quantities