Tallahassee Administrative Law & Regulatory Compliance

Overview

Florida’s hospitality, alcohol, and leisure businesses operate in a highly regulated environment where licensing, compliance, and agency oversight can directly affect the day-to-day operations of these businesses and their long-term viability. Whether opening a new business, expanding operations, responding to an agency inquiry, or dealing with an enforcement action, strategic expert guidance is essential to navigate the maze of Florida’s regulatory and administrative requirements.

Greenspoon Marder’s Tallahassee Administrative Law and Regulatory Compliance group provides advice to restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries, hotels and resorts, entertainment facilities, alcohol manufacturers and distributors, spas, wellness centers, massage establishments, and other regulated businesses throughout Florida. Our clients range from those seeking to obtain and maintain their licenses to those already in operation who need assistance with compliance issues, disputes with regulatory agencies, and protecting their ability to do business.

Regulatory & Licensing Services

Our attorneys represent hospitality, alcohol, and other regulated businesses in matters involving:

Alcohol Beverage Licensing

• Quota and special beverage license acquisitions
• New alcohol license applications
• License transfers and ownership changes
• Catering and temporary permits
• Restaurant, bar, nightclub, and hotel licensing matters
• Manufacturer, distributor, and vendor licensing issues

Hospitality & Business Licensing

• Business and professional licensing
• License renewals and modifications
• Regulatory compliance reviews
• Operational licensing guidance
• Agency communications and negotiations
• Licensure eligibility and qualification matters

Our team regularly assists businesses before numerous state regulatory agencies, including the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), the Florida Department of Health (DOH), and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). We advise clients on obtaining, maintaining, modifying, and renewing licenses, and help them navigate agency requirements, compliance obligations, inspections, investigations, and operational challenges.

As hospitality businesses continue to expand their wellness and guest amenity offerings, we also assist resorts, spas, massage establishments, wellness centers, and related businesses with licensing, regulatory compliance, operational requirements, and agency interactions. Our attorneys help clients understand and comply with the regulatory frameworks governing these businesses while addressing licensing issues before both state and local authorities.

Administrative Proceedings & Enforcement

• Administrative complaints
• Agency investigations and audits
• Formal and informal administrative hearings
• Disciplinary proceedings
• Enforcement actions
• Administrative appeals
• Rule challenges and declaratory statement petitions

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Alcohol beverage regulatory compliance
• Operational compliance assessments
• Regulatory risk analysis
• Agency response strategies
• Rule interpretation and implementation
• Ongoing compliance counseling

Many hospitality businesses face regulatory requirements at both the state and local levels. In addition to state licensing and compliance matters, our attorneys assist with local permitting requirements, zoning and land-use issues, operational approvals, and government approvals for new developments, renovations, expansions, changes in use, and ongoing business operations.

Experience Before Florida Regulatory Agencies

Senior counsel Michael Martinez offers a unique perspective shaped by nearly 15 years of service within the DBPR. During his tenure, he served as an Alcohol Beverage and Tobacco prosecutor, Chief Attorney for the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, and Deputy General Counsel. His experience working within the regulatory system enables clients to benefit from an understanding of how agencies evaluate applications, conduct investigations, interpret regulations, and approach enforcement.

Strategic Counsel for Regulated Businesses

Businesses in the hospitality, alcohol, and leisure sectors are subject to a very particular set of regulatory pressures that go well beyond just obtaining a license. It’s a matter of operational compliance, agency investigations, expansion, and the defense of enforcement action. The regulatory issues can have a massive impact on the business.

Leverage our firsthand experience with the government, together with practical industry knowledge, to get proactive advice that will help you reduce regulatory risk, resolve licensing issues, and deliver on your business objectives.

Contact our attorneys today.