It can happen in a matter of seconds. You’re working behind the counter, ringing up customers during a busy shift, and a young-looking person approaches with a six-pack of beer. You ask for ID, they hand one over, and you complete the sale. Moments later, law enforcement walks in — and you’re under investigation for selling alcohol to a minor.
In Florida, selling alcohol to a person under 21 is taken extremely seriously. Under Florida Statute § 562.11, it’s illegal for anyone to sell, give, serve, or permit alcohol to be served to anyone under the age of 21. The law applies to bartenders, servers, store clerks, and even business owners — and it doesn’t matter whether you meant to break the law.
The Penalties
If you’re caught, you’re typically charged with a second-degree misdemeanor. The consequences can include:
- Up to 60 days in jail
- A fine of up to $500
- Up to 6 months of probation
- Potential driver’s license suspension
If you’ve been convicted before, penalties increase, and business owners risk losing their liquor license.
Real-Life Scenarios
- Sting Operation: Police send an underage decoy into a bar to purchase alcohol. The bartender sells it without checking ID. Within minutes, they’re facing criminal charges.
- Employee Oversight: A gas station clerk sells beer to a teen using an older sibling’s ID. Even if the manager trained staff to check IDs, the individual who made the sale is still responsible.
What to Do if You’re Accused
- Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately upon receiving a notice to appear.
- Gather any evidence — surveillance footage, receipts, witness statements.
- Document training you’ve received on alcohol sales compliance.
Facing this charge doesn’t mean you’re automatically guilty — but how you respond in the first 24 hours can change the entire outcome of your case.