FL H0959

Amends Chapter 87-471, Laws of Florida to expand a special downtown Jacksonville zone by adding three new areas: Urban Transition, East Avondale Transition, and West Avondale Transition to the existing Northside West, Northside East, and Southbank zones.

Allows the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco to issue special alcoholic beverage licenses to restaurants in all six designated zone areas that meet specific requirements.

Establishes reduced space and seating requirements for restaurants in the newly added areas: minimum 1,800 square feet of floor space and seating for 100 or more patrons at tables, with at least 51 percent of gross annual income derived from food sales.

Requires special alcoholic beverage licenses to comply with local zoning requirements regarding distance between liquor-serving establishments and churches or schools, and remain subject to state alcoholic beverage laws.

Takes effect upon becoming law.