Cape Coral 13CT Caterer License – Cape Coral 13CT License
Licensed catering companies in Cape Coral that want to serve beer, wine, and spirits at off-site catered events need a Florida Caterer license, designated by ABT as the 13CT. Cape Coral's active events calendar—driven by waterfront private events, corporate gatherings, and a thriving wedding market that takes advantage of the city's spectacular canal and Gulf Coast setting—creates consistent demand for the Caterer (13CT) license among catering professionals who want to serve alcohol at approved off-site events throughout Lee County. The 13CT license is a specialty license issued by the ABT to catering businesses that are also licensed by the Florida Division of Hotels and Restaurants under Chapter 509, Florida Statutes. It authorizes the sale and service of beer, wine, and spirits by the drink for on-premises consumption at any approved catered event where the licensee is also providing prepared food. The licensee must derive at least 51% of gross food and beverage revenue from food and nonalcoholic beverages at each catered event. The 13CT does not authorize a permanent bar operation and is event-specific in its application.
What the 13CT Caterer License Authorizes in Cape Coral
A 13CT Caterer license in Cape Coral generally allows you to:
• Serve beer, wine, and spirits by the drink for on-premises consumption at approved catered events
• Operate at any approved off-site event location where the licensee is providing prepared food
• Serve alcohol at private parties, corporate events, weddings, and other catered functions
• Legally include full bar service as part of a licensed catering operation in Florida
Is a 13CT Caterer License Right for Your Cape Coral Business?
A 13CT Caterer license may be the right fit if:
• Your Cape Coral business is a licensed catering company that provides food and beverage service at off-site events
• You are already licensed by or are applying for licensing from the Florida Division of Hotels and Restaurants under Chapter 509
• You want to legally offer full bar service—including spirits—as part of your catering packages
• Your events-based business model does not involve a permanent licensed bar premises
How Liquor License Agents Helps 13CT Caterer Applicants and Buyers in Cape Coral
The 13CT Caterer license requires compliance with both ABT regulations and the Division of Hotels and Restaurants licensing requirements, as well as event-level operational controls. Liquor License Agents assists Cape Coral catering businesses by:
• Confirming that your catering business meets both the ABT and Division of Hotels and Restaurants licensing prerequisites for a 13CT
• Preparing and submitting a complete ABT license application with all required documentation and ownership disclosures
• Advising on the operational requirements for each catered event, including the 51% food revenue obligation and purchasing requirements
• Identifying any event-specific approval or notification requirements imposed by Lee County or Cape Coral local authorities
• Assisting with license renewals and advising on ABT compliance obligations for licensed caterers
• Advising on the prohibition on storing alcoholic beverages between events and the return-to-vendor requirements under Florida law
Our goal is to keep license work in sync with your lease, build-out, and opening timeline so your alcohol permissions are not the last piece to fall into place.
Cape Coral 13CT Caterer License FAQs
Who qualifies for a 13CT Caterer license in Cape Coral?
To qualify for a 13CT Caterer license in Cape Coral, your business must be licensed by the Florida Division of Hotels and Restaurants under Chapter 509, Florida Statutes, and must derive at least 51% of gross food and beverage revenue from food and nonalcoholic beverages at each catered event. The license is issued to catering companies that provide prepared food alongside alcohol service at off-site events.
Can a 13CT licensee store alcohol between events in Cape Coral?
No. Florida law prohibits 13CT licensees from storing alcoholic beverages between catered events. Alcoholic beverages not consumed at a catered event must either remain with the client or be returned to a licensed vendor for credit or reimbursement. This is one of the key operational requirements that distinguishes the 13CT from a permanent premise license.
What types of events can a 13CT licensee serve alcohol at in Cape Coral?
A 13CT Caterer license allows you to serve beer, wine, and spirits by the drink at any approved catered event in Cape Coral or anywhere in Florida where your catering company is providing prepared food. This includes weddings, private parties, corporate events, fundraisers, and any other function where your company is the licensed caterer providing food service.
Does a 13CT Caterer licensee need to notify ABT before each event in Cape Coral?
Florida catering licensees must purchase all alcoholic beverages through a licensed vendor and comply with applicable Florida Beverage Law requirements for each event. Specific notification or pre-event approval requirements may vary, and we advise clients on their specific obligations under current ABT regulations when they obtain or renew their 13CT license.
Is the 13CT Caterer license subject to quota restrictions in Cape Coral?
No. The 13CT Caterer license is not a quota license. It is a specialty license available through direct application to the ABT, provided the applicant meets the qualifying requirements including Hotels and Restaurants licensure and the food revenue requirement. There is no cap on the number of 13CT licenses that can be issued.
How long does it take to get a 13CT Caterer license in Cape Coral?
The 13CT application is reviewed by the ABT following submission of a complete application package. Processing times vary, but because the 13CT is a non-quota specialty license, the process is generally more straightforward than quota license transactions. Ensuring your Hotels and Restaurants license is in order before applying to ABT is an important prerequisite.
Schedule an Appointment | (800) 799-9081
If you are opening, acquiring, or planning a business in Cape Coral that needs a 13CT Caterer license, call (800) 799-9081 to schedule an appointment and review your options, local requirements, and next steps with an experienced advisor.