Florida’s food and beverage industry is one of the most dynamic in the country, fueling the state’s economy through restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries, resorts, and agricultural producers. From Miami’s hospitality scene to craft breweries in Central Florida and farm-to-table ventures in rural counties, businesses face a wide range of legal and regulatory requirements before they can even open their doors. Licenses must be secured, zoning restrictions addressed, and compliance with state and federal regulations maintained at every step.
Because the laws governing this industry are highly technical and often vary by jurisdiction, having experienced legal counsel is critical. The best food and beverage lawyers in Florida not only understand the regulations but also know how to effectively work with government agencies and industry partners to achieve results. They represent clients across the spectrum of the industry, from startups applying for their first liquor license to multinational distributors navigating international trade and FDA regulations.
The attorneys highlighted here are among the top food and beverage lawyers in Florida, recognized for their ability to guide clients through compliance, licensing, permitting, dispute resolution, and long-term growth strategies.
6 of the Best Florida Food and Beverage Lawyers
1. Kara Groves – Groves Law
Kara Groves of Groves Law assists small businesses throughout Florida in navigating the highly regulated food and beverage industry. She helps entrepreneurs, producers, and hospitality operators obtain licenses, resolve code enforcement matters, and comply with local and state requirements for alcohol sales and food service operations.
Her practice is particularly focused on regulating craft beverages, including breweries, wineries, and distilleries, as well as agritourism ventures that combine farming with food and beverage services. Kara also assists with zoning and land use issues that often arise when opening a new restaurant, bar, or event venue.
Known for her hands-on approach, Kara personally guides clients through each stage of the process, offering the one-on-one attention that larger firms often cannot provide. For small businesses that need clarity and quick results, Kara has become a trusted ally in Florida’s food and beverage sector.
2. Richard M. Blau – GrayRobinson, P.A.
Richard Blau chairs GrayRobinson’s Regulated Products Section and is nationally recognized for his work in alcohol beverage, food, hospitality, and regulated products law. Ranked nationally as “Band 1” by Chambers USA in Food and Beverage Law, Richard has decades of experience representing manufacturers, distributors, and retailers in matters of compliance, licensing, litigation, and legislation.
He has successfully litigated landmark alcohol regulation cases, drafted administrative rules and statutes at the request of regulators, and testified before legislative committees in Florida and beyond. His representation spans all tiers of the alcohol industry, including international importers, statewide wholesalers, and multistate restaurant and hotel chains. Richard has also been repeatedly listed in Best Lawyers in America for Food and Beverage Law.
3. Louis J. Terminello – Greenspoon Marder LLP
Louis J. Terminello is the Chair of Greenspoon Marder’s Hospitality, Alcohol & Leisure Industry Group and serves as the Managing Partner of the firm’s Miami office. With over 45 years of experience in the alcohol beverage and tobacco industries, Louis brings unique insights as a former senior law enforcement investigator with Florida’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. He has represented clients in licensing, compliance, and regulatory matters, and has lectured on alcoholic beverage law at institutions such as Florida International University and the University of Miami School of Law.
He represents all tiers of the alcohol industry, such as retailers, suppliers, and wholesalers, handling licensing, compliance, and enforcement matters for restaurants, bars, hotels, supermarkets, and nightclubs. Louis has also served as an expert witness and taught courses in alcohol and beverage law at Florida International University and the University of Miami School of Law. Recognized by Chambers USA as a top-ranked lawyer for Food & Beverage, Louis is one of the state’s most trusted advisors in this area.
4. Peter Quinter – Gunster
Peter A. Quinter is a shareholder at Gunster and is Board-Certified in International Law by the Florida Bar. He focuses his practice on international trade, customs law, and regulatory compliance, representing importers, exporters, and logistics companies in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries.
Peter frequently advises on U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) compliance, particularly with detained or refused food and beverage products. His work also involves navigating enforcement matters with Customs and Border Protection, the Transportation Security Administration, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Recognized globally in Chambers USA and Best Lawyers in America, Peter is widely regarded as a leading lawyer for businesses operating in Florida’s international food and beverage trade.
5. Marc R. Tiller – The Tiller Law Group
Marc R. Tiller is the Managing Partner of The Tiller Law Group, focusing on business law and alcoholic beverage transactions. With a background as a Claims Representative for Florida Farm Bureau Insurance Company and serving as General Counsel for Dycom Industries, Marc brings a practical and business-oriented approach to legal issues in the liquor and hospitality industries. Since 2002, he has owned and operated The Tiller Law Group, assisting clients with liquor licensing, regulatory compliance, and business transactions.
His work often involves guiding entrepreneurs through the process of obtaining liquor licenses, structuring transactions, and resolving regulatory issues. Marc is also active with the National Association of Alcoholic Beverage Law Attorneys (NAABLA), further underscoring his role as a trusted resource for Florida businesses in this space.
6. Keith E. Long – Long Law, P.A.
Keith E. Long founded Long Law, P.A. to provide focused legal services for Florida’s alcoholic beverage industry. His firm is dedicated exclusively to assisting clients with liquor licensing, permitting, and compliance matters, offering the specialized attention many larger firms cannot provide.
With firsthand experience in the food and beverage industry and formal training in food and alcoholic beverage law, Keith brings a unique perspective to his clients. His practice encompasses transactional and litigation work, enabling restaurants, bars, and hospitality businesses to successfully navigate Florida’s liquor license laws.
Finding the Best Food and Beverage Lawyer in Florida
Florida’s restaurant, bar, hospitality, and alcohol beverage industries thrive on innovation, but entrepreneurs in this space face significant regulatory challenges. Working with one of the top food and beverage lawyers in Florida can help your business stay compliant, secure the necessary licenses, and grow with confidence.
While many firms handle food and beverage law, Groves Law offers a tailored approach for small businesses that need consistent communication and practical solutions. Whether you’re opening a brewery, starting an agritourism venture, or resolving a licensing issue, Kara Groves provides the direct, hands-on guidance that helps clients move forward. Contact Groves Law today to discover how we can help you achieve your food and beverage goals in Florida.