FL H0877

Repeals section 565.04, Florida Statutes, which previously restricted the types of merchandise that certain alcoholic beverage vendors could sell and limited direct access to their businesses.

Defines "package store" as a vendor licensed under section 565.02(1)(a) that is devoted exclusively to selling alcoholic beverages in sealed containers for off-premises consumption, with only incidental sales of other merchandise.

Prohibits electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards from being used or accepted at locations operated as package stores, as well as at bottle clubs and other restricted alcoholic beverage vendors.

Updates section 402.82, Florida Statutes, to conform provisions regarding where EBT cards cannot be used by removing the reference to the now-repealed section 565.04.

Takes effect July 1, 2014.