Florida growler laws are grabbing lawmakers’ attention

Earlier this year, lines in the Florida sands were drawn over growler laws. House Bill (HB) 715 aimed to allow brewpubs to sell 64-ounce growlers or containers. Florida brewers, like Cigar City Brewing’s Vice President Justin Clark spoke out in support of the law, expressing frustration with a limiting law. Unfortunately, HB 715 lost steam and was never passed. The state still prohibits beer containers of more than 32 ounces, unless they are gallon size (128 ounces), but growler legislation is stepping back into the political arena for another round.

Florida lawmakers plan to reform craft beer laws, including growler legislation, to support the state’s developing craft beer industry.

Jacksonville.com, a Florida Times-Union news website, reported that growler legislation will likely get a second look as the state plans to reform Florida law to support the budding craft brewing industry. The site reported that the House Business and Professional Regulation Subcommittee will a look at a wide range of craft brewery legislation.

From Jacksonville.com:

During a more than one-hour workshop Tuesday, several craft brewery owners highlighted concerns, but the growler issue seems to remain at the top of the list.
…
“It is the industry standard,” said Matt Cornelius, owner of Darwin Brewing Co. in Sarasota and Bradenton. “The fact that we can’t fill their 64-ounce beer really hurts us business-wise.”

In addition to the growler laws, Florida politicians also expect to consider allowing restaurants to also operate breweries.

So far, booming craft breweries have seen support in many states and the growler laws are no longer new to the industry. As the article points out, 47 states currently allow growlers to be filled. Here at Craft Brewing Business, we’ve covered the growler battles of Minnesota, Delaware and North Carolina, to name a few. With an increase in popularity comes much responsibility — to both the consumer and the business. We’ll stay on top of the issue to keep you up to date with the latest growler law news.