I have an importer and wholesaler basic permit, COLA approval and now seeking to get an importer license for Florida state, but the district office tells me that an importer license it's not gonna let me handle the alcohol. Thus the manufacture company from abroad has to ship directly to distributor. My question is: how can I find a distributing company to import my wine if they haven't even tried it. What license do I need then? Thanks in advance for your time and effort.
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW
I am not sure I completely understand your situation, and I wonder if the office you mention is giving you the correct advice. If you have the Federal Basic Permits you cite, you are authorized to sell wine to a distributor in Florida. For example, on the Permit, the box next to "Importer" should be checked, and as stated on that Permit, your licensed entity is allowed to import distilled spirits, wine and malt beverages which you can "sell, offer to deliver for sale, contract to sell or ship, in interstate or foreign commerce." You are as well entitled to this end to provide samples of your products to a potential Florida wholesaler. It is true that a given state such as Florida may (or may not) require, in addition, its own permit for an out-of-state company, and to verify that you will need to contact the official Florida agency (myfloridalicense.com). You've already done all the basics, so this should not be a big hurdle.
