Florida DABT Clarifies 13CT "Caterer's" License Requirements Through Updated Rule

The Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (DABT) promulgated updated language for Rule 61A-3.057, governing catered event enforcement and recordkeeping requirements for 13CT licenses. The changes represent DABT's response to ongoing compliance challenges that have consistently frustrated both state and local permitting agencies.

The 13CT license framework has long been plagued by a fundamental issue: the absence of a clear definition for "catered event," the very concept that underpins the entire licensing model. This definitional gap creates confusion among regulators and licensees alike, making consistent enforcement difficult and compliance uncertain.

Compounding these definitional challenges, the relative ease of obtaining a 13CT license and the absence of specific regulatory requirements contributed to a troubling trend of illegal "license rental" arrangements, where unlicensed vendors operate under the banner of legitimate 13CT licensees.