SB 822- Relating to Beverage Law

On Tuesday, February 6th, SB 822 by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) was heard before the Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism and passed by a vote of 4 yeas to 1 yea. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of this bill.

Florida’s “Tied House Evil Law,” s. 561.42, F.S., prohibits a manufacturer or distributor of alcoholic beverages from having a financial interest, directly or indirectly, in the establishment or business of a licensed vendor, and prohibits a manufacturer or distributor from giving gifts, loans, property, or rebates to retail vendors.

The bill exempts a written agreement between a manufacturer or importer of malt beverages and an alcoholic beverage vendor for brand naming rights, including the right to advertise cooperatively from the “tied house evil” prohibitions. The agreement must then be negotiated at arm’s length for no more than fair market value.

SB 822 will move on to the Senate Committee on Rules for its next hearing.

AIF SUPPORTS legislation that removes burdensome regulations on Florida’s businesses.

SB 1412-Relating to Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims

On Thursday, February 8th, SB 1412 by Senator David Simmons (R-Longwood) was heard before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government and passed by a vote of 10 yeas to 0 nays. AIF stood in support of this bill.

This bill increases the initial term of judges of compensation claims to 6 years, which is 2 more than under current law, and provides that they “shall receive a salary equal to that of a county court judge.”

SB 1412 will go on to the Senate Committee on Appropriations to be heard.

AIF supports legislation that increases the salary of judges of compensation claims, in order to attract the talent that is needed to handle the increasing amount of claims files due to the court rulings on workers’ compensation.