HOPING FOR REGULATION COMPROMISE IN FLORIDA

Now that direct wine shipments are legal in Florida, Senators are haggling over regulations such as shipping licenses, taxes and those pesky minors. The main difference between the two bills up for approval is that one would not allow wineries that produce over 250,000 gallons a year to sell to Florida consumers. Sen. Steve Geller supports the 250,000 gallon cap arguing that mass-produced wines are more likely to fall into the hands of minors. But the other side argues that a cap would be unconstitutional. Sen. Paul Dockery was quoted in the Miami Herald saying, “The Supreme Court ruling stated that you cannot treat in-state [wineries] differently than out-of-state.” Both bills require wineries to pay an annual fee of between $100-$250, to verify customers’ ages upon delivery, pay a monthly excise and sales tax, and report how much wine they ship every month. If a winery does not follow the specified rules, than the state has the right to revoke their license. Both bills passed the Senate Regulated Industries committee earlier this week and their sponsors are reportedly hoping to reach a compromise before the next committee hearing.