HELPING DRIVE FLORIDA'S ECONOMY

Beer distributors in Florida directly employ over 9,000 people in well-paying jobs with good benefits, totaling nearly $600 million in wages. The beer industry contributes significantly to the stability and growth of Florida’s economy. With approximately 40,000 licensed retailers, 100+ independent licensed distributors and countless breweries – not to mention the thousands of other manufacturers who export their products into the Sunshine State – the beer industry is an essential and integral part of Florida’s economy.

$821 Million

At $821.9 million per year, the state of Florida receives more excise tax revenue from the sale of beer than almost any other state in the U.S., with the exception of California, New York, and Texas.

9,000+ Jobs

Beer distributors in Florida directly employ over 9,000 people in well-paying jobs with good benefits totaling nearly $600 million in wages.

$168 Million

Florida’s beer wholesalers funded more than 15,000 scholarships with Step Up for Students in 2021, totaling $168 million.

3,500 Brands

Thanks to the three-tier system encouraging choice and variety in the marketplace, more than 3,500 brands of fresh beer are available statewide daily.

40,000+ Retailers

The beer industry contributes significantly to the stability and growth of Florida’s economy. With approximately 40,000 licensed retailers, 100+ independent licensed distributors and more than 350 breweries – not to mention the thousands of other manufacturers who export their products into the Sunshine State – the beer industry is an essential and integral part of Florida’s economy.

$208 Million

The National Beer Wholesalers Association’s (NBWA) estimates approximately $208 million in capital expenditure impact every year in warehouses, forklifts, vehicles, computers, energy saving technology, software and other equipment.

Investing in Local Jobs and Infrastructure

As local, independent, and family-operated businesses, distributors understand the importance of investing in the community. With the development of a new facility based in Highlands County, Bernie Little Distributors hired 150 construction workers throughout the build and will bring more than 50 new full-time jobs when it becomes fully operational in Spring 2022.

By 3000 BC, the Egyptians were brewing at least six different types of beer.