St. Petersburg 2APS Beer and Wine Package Sales License – St. Petersburg 2APS License
Grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations, and neighborhood markets in St. Petersburg that want to sell packaged beer and wine for off-premises consumption need a Florida 2APS license. St. Petersburg's walkable neighborhoods, dense urban core along Central Avenue, and the eclectic retail mix in the Grand Central District and Edge District support strong demand for 2APS licenses at the grocery stores, specialty food markets, and neighborhood convenience retailers serving the city's rapidly growing and arts-oriented residential population. The 2APS is issued by the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT), part of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). It is a non-quota license, meaning there is no population-based cap on the number of licenses issued, and it is obtained directly from the ABT district office for a nominal annual fee based on Pinellas County's population tier. The 2APS does not permit on-premises consumption and does not cover spirits.
What the 2APS License Authorizes in St. Petersburg
A 2APS license in St. Petersburg generally allows you to:
• Sell packaged beer and wine in sealed containers for off-premises consumption
• Stock refrigerated and shelf-stable beer and wine products in coolers and on retail shelving
• Operate a retail store, grocery, gas station, or convenience market that includes a beer-and-wine section
• Sell to customers for consumption away from the licensed premises only
Is a 2APS License Right for Your St. Petersburg Business?
A 2APS license may be the right fit if:
• Your business in St. Petersburg is a grocery store, convenience store, gas station, or similar retail operation
• You do not plan to sell spirits or serve alcohol for on-premises consumption
• You want a non-quota license that can be obtained directly from the ABT without entering a lottery or purchasing on the secondary market
• You are adding beer and wine to a food retail business where alcohol is a complementary product
How Liquor License Agents Helps 2APS Applicants and Buyers in St. Petersburg
While the 2APS is a non-quota license, St. Petersburg and Pinellas County may still impose local zoning requirements, distance restrictions from schools or churches, and operational conditions that affect where and how the license can be used. Liquor License Agents helps by:
• Reviewing your St. Petersburg location for local zoning compliance and any applicable distance restrictions
• Preparing and filing a complete ABT application package with all required documentation
• Coordinating with Pinellas County and St. Petersburg local authorities on any required local approvals or notifications
• Advising on responsible alcohol retailing requirements and compliance obligations under Florida Beverage Law
• Assisting with license transfers when a business with an existing 2APS is sold or changes ownership
• Responding to ABT inquiries and helping resolve any issues that arise during the application review process
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.
St. Petersburg 2APS License FAQs
What can I sell with a 2APS license in St. Petersburg?
A 2APS license allows you to sell packaged beer and wine in sealed containers for off-premises consumption at your St. Petersburg retail location. You may not sell spirits under a 2APS license, and customers may not consume beverages on your premises. If you want to sell spirits, you will need a quota 3PS license.
Is the 2APS license subject to quota restrictions in St. Petersburg?
No. The 2APS is a non-quota license, meaning there is no population-based cap on the number of licenses ABT will issue in Pinellas County. You apply directly through the ABT district office and pay the applicable annual fee based on county population tier, without entering a lottery or purchasing a license on the secondary market.
Can I sell chilled beer and wine with a 2APS license in St. Petersburg?
Yes. Packaged beer and wine may be sold chilled or at room temperature under a 2APS license in St. Petersburg, as long as all products are in sealed containers for off-premises consumption. You must comply with Florida Beverage Law and any local conditions imposed by Pinellas County or St. Petersburg.
Can a 2APS license be transferred when I sell my business in St. Petersburg?
Yes. A 2APS license can be transferred to a new owner when a business is sold, subject to ABT approval. The transfer requires a new application, background review, and payment of applicable fees. We help coordinate the timing of your license transfer with your business sale escrow and closing.
What local requirements apply to 2APS licensees in St. Petersburg?
In addition to ABT requirements, St. Petersburg and Pinellas County may impose local zoning restrictions, distance rules from schools, churches, or parks, and other operational conditions on beer-and-wine retailers. We review your specific address to identify any local requirements before you commit to a location.
How long does it take to get a 2APS license in St. Petersburg?
Because the 2APS is a non-quota license, the application process is generally more straightforward than for quota licenses. Timelines vary by ABT workload and the completeness of your application, but applicants can often expect a process of several weeks to a few months. Submitting a complete, accurate application is the most effective way to avoid delays.
Schedule an Appointment | (800) 799-9081
If you are opening, acquiring, or planning a business in St. Petersburg that needs a 2APS license, call (800) 799-9081 to schedule an appointment and review your options, local requirements, and next steps with an experienced advisor.