DeSantis signs bill slashing ‘red tape’ on wine bottles

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation revising the individual size requirements for wine containers on Thursday.

The bill, HB 583, sponsored by Rep. Chip LaMarca, R-Lighthouse Point, allows exceptions for the sale of wine in a glass container holding 4.5 liters, six liters, nine liters, 12 liters or 15 liters.

Currently, the sale of individual wine containers holding over one gallon of wine is prohibited in the state.

“This is an example of us cutting unnecessary red tape and eliminating out of state regulations,” DeSantis said. “We want our businesses to thrive, we want our consumers to be happy and if that means they want to buy and sell a big old bottle of wine like this, then by golly, they’re gonna be able to do that in the state of Florida.”

LaMarca thanked the governor and and the legislature for getting the bill passed, especially since it had been his fifth attempt at getting the bill through the legislative process.

Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Melanie Griffin echoed the governor’s comments on how the bill deregulates the state’s economy and grows Florida’s business-friendly atmosphere.

“Under the governor’s leadership, Florida continues to cut red tape and make it easier to do business in our state,” she said. “Which is also important to the department.”

“Not only does this bill create a potential cost savings for 51,000 DBPR licensees, it allows Florida to be competitive with other states who are already selling wine in these larger quantities,” she added.

“This industry is a major economic driver in our state and with a governor who continues to make decisions that are good for business, I am confident we will continue to see our business climate and economy thrive,” Griffin added.

The legislation is set to become law on July 1. Sen. Jay Trumbull, R-Panama City, sponsored the Senate version.