Florida may see less strict liquor laws in near future

### April 29, 2013

By Eric Veram

TALLAHASSEE, Florida: Last week, the Florida State Legislature took steps towards making it easier for "dry" counties to legalize the sale of liquor. House Bill 347 was passed by the legislature last week by a large majority and now goes on to the governor for his signature. Though the bill does not actually legalize alcohol in currently dry counties, it does make the legalization process a bit easier. Currently citizens can get a measure on the local ballot by submitting a petition containing the signatures of 25 percent of a county's registered voters. This allows the sale of alcohol in package stores throughout the county, but another petition, again containing the signatures of 25 percent of the registered voters, is then required to get the issue of "by the drink" sales to the ballot. The new bill would change that requirement so that only ten percent of voters' signatures are need to get on the ballot. It also allows by the drink sales if the county commission approves it by a majority vote.[1]

## See also

* Florida ballot measures
* Alcohol on the ballot

## Footnotes

1. ↑ Panama City News-Herald, "Bill seeks to loosen liquor laws," April 29, 2013

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