If you’re considering a job at a bar, restaurant, or anywhere that sells alcohol in Florida, you’re in the right place. The path to becoming qualified is surprisingly quick and affordable. In fact, you can complete your Florida alcohol server certification in just a few hours — often for less than $10.
While Florida doesn’t require alcohol server training by law, many employers prefer (or even expect) you to complete Florida Responsible Vendor Training. It shows you understand the rules, responsibilities, and best practices when it comes to serving alcohol in Florida.
Want to boost your chances of getting hired and learn how to serve alcohol responsibly? Keep reading to discover what the training covers, how to get certified, and answers to common questions—like how old you have to be to be a server in Florida.
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If you plan to work at bars, casinos, restaurants, or other establishments serving alcohol in Florida, it is highly recommended to obtain a Florida Alcohol Server Certification.
Florida Alcohol Server Training is a training course for sellers or servers of alcohol who need to be in compliance with the Florida Responsible Vendor Act.
The training is meant to inform and teach alcohol servers how to responsibly sell and serve alcoholic beverages in compliance with Florida laws, while minimizing risks to customers, themselves, and the establishment.
💡 Is the Florida Alcohol Server Certification legally required?
No, Florida does not legally require responsible alcohol service training.
❗ However, if an employer is part of the Responsible Vendor Act, the training has to be taken:
- within 30 days of the employment date for a non-managerial employee
- within 15 days of the employment date for a managerial employee
You will need to provide proof to your employer that you’ve taken training from a provider that offers a course that satisfies the Florida Responsible Vendor Act requirements.
At ServeSmart, we offer a “Certificate of Completion” at the end of the training that you can use to provide a copy to your employer as proof. Your employer is required to have that certificate on hand as evidence that their employees have taken the alcohol server training.
What is the Florida Responsible Vendor Act?
- Underage drinking
- Drunk driving
- Other accidents related to drinking alcohol
- Eliminate the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages by underage persons.
- Reduce intoxication-related accidents, injuries, and deaths in the state.
- Encourage alcoholic beverage vendors and their employees to prevent drug activity on their premises.
- Encourage alcoholic beverage vendors to be prudent in their serving practices and to restrict the sanctions that may be imposed in administrative proceedings against those vendors who comply with responsible practices in accordance with this act.
Who Needs Alcohol Certification in Florida?
In Florida, alcohol certification is not legally required by the state; however, it is strongly preferred by employers, especially those participating in the Florida Responsible Vendor Program.
Here are several job roles that would benefit from completing alcohol server training:
- Bartenders
- Servers
- Cashiers
- Managers and supervisors
- Event staff and caterers
How Do You Get a Florida Alcohol Server Certification?
In 3 easy steps, you can start serving alcohol in Florida with a valid certification and essential knowledge:
Step 1: Find a Course
Most states have a list of courses on their website, but Florida is unique in that there is no official list of approved courses.
To make the search quicker, we have compiled a list of training providers that meet the Florida Responsible Vendor Act requirements below:
| Provider | Language(s) | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
ServeSmart |
English, Spanish, Korean |
4.8 Stars |
|
2 |
Seller Server Classes |
English |
4.6 Stars |
|
3 |
SureSellNow |
English |
4.4 Stars |
|
4 |
StateFoodSafety |
English |
3.4 Stars |
|
5 |
360 Training |
English |
3.7 Stars |
* These providers and reviews are up to date as of February 2023
Online vs. In Person Responsible Vendor Training
You also have a choice between online and in-person training. Choose wisely because each offers a different learning experience:
| Online Training | In Person Training |
|---|---|
|
|
Step 2: Take a Course
Once you’ve selected your course provider, you’ll need to purchase the course. Most courses cost less than $20, but some can go as high as $40.
Taking the course and passing the final exam usually takes between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on which course you choose.
At ServeSmart, we make online training fun by incorporating a range of features, including videos, interactive activities, and quizzes. Our experts present the topics required by the Florida Responsible Vendor Act in a way that allows you to study at any time.
With our distraction-free interface, you can enroll and study the materials using your desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
What is Covered in the Florida Alcohol Server Training?
There are two course types that you’ll need to choose from when getting your certification: a management course and an employee course.
If you are a non-managerial employee or a managerial employee, please ensure you select the appropriate course that fits your job description.
| Employee Training Course Content | Alcohol Server Management Course Content |
|---|---|
|
✅ Laws covering the service of alcoholic beverages and the operation of establishments serving alcoholic beverages.
✅ Alcohol or controlled substances or both as a drug and its effects on the body and behavior, including its effects on a person operating a motor vehicle.
✅ Effects of alcohol in combination with commonly used drugs, both legal and illegal.
✅ Methods of recognizing and dealing with underage customers.
✅ Methods for dealing with customers and for dealing with employees who use or traffic in illegal drugs.
|
✅ Laws governing the service of alcoholic beverages and the operation of establishments serving alcoholic beverages.
✅ Development of standard operating procedures for dealing with underage customers.
✅ Development of standard operating procedures for dealing with customers, and for dealing with employees who use or traffic in illegal drugs.
✅ Methods of assisting employees in dealing with underage customers and in maintaining records that relate to such incidents.
|
Step 3: Pass the Exam
At the end of the course, you’ll have to take the final exam in order to be certified. In some states, you’ll be redirected to the state website, but for Florida, you conveniently get to take the course and exam all in one spot. The exam has a total of 25 questions, and the required passing grade is 80% or higher.
If you fail to pass the exam, there is no need to worry. You can take it as many times as necessary to get a passing score.
Once you’ve passed the exam, you’ll be issued a Certificate of Completion. Download that certificate and print a copy to give to your employer. It is important that you maintain a copy with you in case the certificate is lost or you need to provide a copy to a future employer.
What Are the Legal Requirements for Florida Responsible Vendor Training?
To obtain a Florida Alcohol Server Certification, you must meet specific legal requirements listed below:
✅ Must be at least 18 years old to serve or sell alcohol (including beer, wine, and spirits).
✅ Must complete alcohol server training within 30 days of hire if working for a business participating in the Florida Responsible Vendor Program.
✅ Annual refresher training is required to maintain certification under the program.
Tick all the boxes? See below how getting an alcohol certification in Florida can benefit you professionally.
Benefits of Florida Alcohol Server Certification
Helps You Stand Out to Employers
Florida’s alcohol certification not only informs you about the latest laws and regulations regarding serving alcohol but also gives you a professional edge. It shows that you’re serious and ready to serve responsibly from day one.
Proves You're Trained in Florida Laws and Safe Service Practices
A certified server or seller of alcoholic beverages knows not to sell to underage customers, can spot fake IDs, and understands when to refuse alcohol service if necessary. This knowledge helps staff follow the law and create a safer environment for everyone, which is exactly what employers are actively looking for.
May Reduce Liability for Your Employer
Under the Florida Responsible Vendor Act, holders of all types of Florida retail licenses are entitled to benefits if they meet the training and vending requirements. These benefits help protect a licensee’s establishment, but may also lower insurance rates, reduce the risk of civil liability, and protect licensees from suspension or revocation.
Bartending Schools: An Optional Step Further
In addition to taking Alcohol Server Training, you can take it a step further and get trained to be a bartender through a bartending school.
Most bars and restaurants will have on-the-job training, but you may have to slowly work your way into a bartender position.
Going through a bartending school will give you over 40 hours of in–person training and even help you get hired with job placement services.
Here is what you can expect to learn in bartending schools:
🍸 How to mix over 200 drinks
🍸 How to manage a location
🍸 Opening and closing routines
🍸 How to handle money
Summary: What is Florida Alcohol Server Training?
Florida Alcohol Server Training is a course for anyone who sells/serves alcohol or manages employees who sell/serve alcohol in the state of Florida.
Taking this training ensures that you will satisfy the requirements of the Florida Responsible Vendor Act, keeping your employer compliant with the “Responsible Vendor” requirements.
The Florida Responsible Vendor Act is meant to make the community safer by reducing underage drinking and the overconsumption of alcohol by habitual drinkers, as well as protecting the server and establishment from legal liability.
Following this article’s 3 easy steps will ensure you know how to get Alcohol Server Training within the 15 to 30-day grace period from the start date of your employment.
The fastest and easiest way to obtain alcohol certification in Florida is to enroll in a training course with ServeSmart. Our self-paced, fully mobile training is ideal for busy individuals looking to enter the hospitality industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alcohol training is not required in Florida. However, your employer will likely require it so they will maintain their “Responsible Vendor” status.
In Florida, the legal age to serve alcoholic beverages in establishments like restaurants and bars is 18.
The certificate is good for 3 years.
It is recommended that you take Florida Alcohol Server Training and get hands–on bartender training.
Taking alcohol server training can help to protect you and your employer from legal and financial liability as well as help keep your patrons and the general public safe.
Most courses are less than $20
To renew your certification, you’ll need to retake the Alcohol Server Training. It is recommended that you renew your certification within 45 days of the expiration date and provide your employer with an updated copy of your certificate.
