Special Restaurant Liquor License (4COP-SFS / SRX): Miami restaurant guide

Florida DBPR — Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco

What it is

A non-quota full-liquor license for bona fide restaurants that meet minimum size and food-sales rules. It cannot be sold or moved.

When a restaurant needs it

Full liquor at a restaurant with at least 2,000 sq ft of service area, equipment to serve 120 people at once, at least 120 physical seats, and at least 51% of food-and-beverage revenue from food and non-alcoholic beverages.

How to apply

Apply in DBPR Online Services with the standard alcohol application plus proof of the restaurant's food service license, seating and square footage. AB&T inspects the premises.

Documents you’ll need

DBPR ABT-6001 application
DBPR food service license
Floor plan showing service area and 120+ seats
Fingerprints and related party information
City of Miami zoning approval

Fee

$1,820 per year in counties over 100,000 population (Miami-Dade), the 4COP-series fee; temporary license is $100 or 1/4 of the annual fee, whichever is greater.

Processing time

90-day standard processing; temporary license available on a complete application.

Renewal

Annually, with ongoing 51% food-revenue compliance (first 120 days and each 12 months after).

Who files

Filed by the applicant entity, typically with a liquor license attorney.

Good to know

Thresholds dropped from 2,500 sq ft/150 seats to 2,000 sq ft/120 seats in 2023. Under City of Miami code, 4COP-SFS restaurants have been exempt from alcohol distance separation.

Official source

Section 561.20, F.S. — special restaurant license · DBPR AB&T — FAQs

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.