FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a press conference in Broward County Thursday morning.
DeSantis spoke at Wine Watch, a wine shop in Fort Lauderdale, where he signed legislation to reduce regulations on wine containers.
House Bill 583 intends to modify the exception concerning the maximum allowable volume for individual wine containers retailed within the state.
The new minimum limit for purchasing wine in retail stores will be 15 liters or more.
DeSantis reiterated that HB 583 targets the elimination of restrictions on wine volume in retail.
“In Florida, we are always looking for ways to reduce regulation and improve our residents’ quality of life,” said DeSantis. “If Floridians can purchase a large bottle of wine online from another state, they should be able to buy one from their local wine or grocery store.”
Previously, Florida legislation prohibited the sale of wine in bottles that are larger than one gallon unless it is sold in a 20-liter reusable container.
HB 583 intends to modify the exception concerning the maximum allowable volume for individual wine containers retailed within the state.
The new minimum limit for purchasing wine in retail stores will be 15 liters or more.
“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 ole bottle of wine like this, then they are going to be able to do that in the state of Florida,” said DeSantis.
DeSantis was accompanied by Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Melanie Griffin.
“Governor DeSantis has a long history of cutting red tape, and today’s signing of House Bill 583 is a testament to his commitment to Florida businesses,” said Griffin. “This legislation will make it easier for more than 51,000 DBPR licensees to do business, and we thank Governor DeSantis, Representative LaMarca and others that helped make it a reality.”
Under the new law, wine will be allowed for purchase in many commonly used sizes, including:
- Methuselah (6 liters)
- Salmanazar (9 liters)
- Balthazar (12 liters)
- Nebuchadnezzar (15 liters)
DeSantis finished the press conference by toasting the new legislation.
The bill is set to go into effect on July 1.
Local 10 viewers can watch the press conference here:
