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Picture this: it’s Friday night at a busy Jacksonville bar. You’re pouring drinks, taking orders, and trying to keep up. A customer slides you an ID that looks perfect — holograms, lamination, expiration date all in order. You make the sale. The next thing you know, you’re being cited for selling alcohol to a minor.
The short answer? Yes, you can go to jail — even if it was an accident. Most of the time, the police will issue a notice to appear instead of arrest.
Strict Liability in Florida
Florida treats selling alcohol to a minor as a strict liability offense. That means prosecutors don’t have to prove you intended to sell to someone under 21 — only that the sale happened.
If you’re convicted:
- First offense: up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, and license suspension.
- Repeat offense: up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Example: The Busy Night Trap
A liquor store clerk sold a bottle of alcohol to a 19-year-old during a rush. The ID was a high-quality fake. Surveillance showed she didn’t use the scanner and barely looked at the date. Result? She was still charged — and the bar faced a hefty fine.
How to Protect Yourself
- Use electronic ID scanners whenever possible.
- Card everyone who looks under 40.
- If in doubt, don’t make the sale — the risk isn’t worth it.
Even one mistake can lead to an arrest record that follows you for years. That’s why anyone facing these charges should get legal help immediately.