More than just Cocktails

Hot Topic: Do You Need a License to Be a Mobile Mixologist in Florida?

By Drinks With MB | Elevated Mixology & Private Cocktail Experiences

Let’s Clear This Up Once and For All

If you’ve spent any time exploring mobile bartending or mixology services, you’ve likely come across conflicting information, strong opinions, and—quite frankly—a lot of confusion.

So let’s simplify it.

The Short Answer

No—you do not need a DBPR license if you are not selling alcohol.

In Florida, mobile mixologists operate in what is often referred to as the “negative space” of the law—meaning you are providing a service, not selling a regulated product.

As long as the alcohol is purchased and owned by the host, you are legally allowed to:

Mix

Pour

Garnish

Serve

Because what you are offering is bartending labor—not alcohol sales.

Why This Is So Misunderstood

The concept is actually very straightforward.

However, alcohol itself is highly regulated—while bartending as a service is not.

That distinction is where most confusion happens.

What You Can Legally Provide

At Drinks With MB, our services are intentionally structured to remain compliant while delivering a high-end experience.

Service-Based Offerings

Bar rentals

Professional bartending labor

Event setup & breakdown

Elevated cocktail experience design

Non-Alcoholic Goods

Premium mixers

Fresh garnishes

Ice

Styling elements

Important:

All invoices must clearly reflect services and non-alcoholic items only.

Alcohol is never bundled or sold without proper licensing.

Liability: This Is Still Serious Business

Even without selling alcohol, responsibility does not disappear.

Under Florida Statute 562.11, serving alcohol to anyone under 21 is a second-degree misdemeanor.

This means:

Proper ID verification is essential

Service must be monitored responsibly

You must be prepared to refuse service when necessary

Professionalism is not optional—it is expected.

Alcohol Storage & Leftovers

This is one of the most commonly misunderstood areas.

You cannot store a client’s alcohol at your home or business.

You are not a warehouse.

Best Practice

All alcohol remains with the client

Or is consumed during the event

Non-negotiable rule:

All leftover alcohol stays with the client—every time.

Transporting Alcohol: Know the Law

Under Florida Statute 562.07:

You may not transport more than 12 bottles unless licensed

Transporting larger quantities without a license can result in citation.

Safest Approach

The client brings alcohol to the venue

Or uses a licensed delivery service

If transport is necessary:

Keep it under 12 bottles.

Handling Payment Properly

This is where many businesses unintentionally cross the line.

You may:

Charge for bartending services

Charge for setup, rentals, and experience

You may not:

Invoice alcohol directly

Bundle alcohol into your pricing

Unless properly licensed.

Clients must purchase alcohol themselves, and any documentation provided should come from the licensed vendor, not the service provider.

Why This Matters

This industry is growing—and with growth comes scrutiny.

Operating correctly:

Protects your business

Builds client trust

Positions you as a credible, high-end professional

A Personal Note

Understanding this didn’t happen overnight.

It required:

Extensive research

Careful review of Florida statutes

And confirmation from legal counsel

Because in a regulated industry, doing things properly is part of delivering a luxury experience.

Final Thought

Mobile mixology is about more than beautiful cocktails.

It’s about:

Knowledge

Responsibility

And creating an elevated experience the right way

Coming Next

In the next post, we’re shifting gears.

We’ll step behind the bar and into the experience—

sharing what really happens at events, what clients don’t see, and how unforgettable evenings are created.

Because while the rules matter…

the magic is in the experience.

Drinks With MB

Taylor Made Libations

Elevated Mixology | Private Events | Curated Cocktail Experiences