Alcohol training in Florida is often misunderstood – especially when it comes to what is required, what is optional, and what it actually means to be a Responsible Vendor.
If you’re a restaurant, bar, or hotel operator, here’s a clear breakdown of how Responsible Vendor of Alcohol (“RVA”) training works in Florida, how it differs from other alcohol training programs, and why some operators choose to participate while others do not.
Is Responsible Vendor of Alcohol Training Required in Florida?
The Responsible Vendor of Alcohol (“RVA”) training is not required by the state of Florida and is optional for vendors to participate.
When we refer to RVA as “state-approved,” we mean that the Responsible Vendor program is the only program in Florida that awards an establishment the “Responsible Vendor” designation. That designation provides tangible benefits to the establishment, including:
- Liquor license protection in the event of an alcohol-related incident
- Reduced fines and penalties if an incident occurs
- Potential insurance premium reductions
- Additional regulatory protections tied to Responsible Vendor status
It’s important to note that the establishment, not the individual employee, earns the Responsible Vendor designation.
Why Online Alcohol Programs Like TIPS and ServSafe Are Different
Online alcohol training programs such as TIPS and ServSafe are not state-approved Responsible Vendor programs in Florida. While these programs serve a purpose, they are fundamentally different from the state’s Responsible Vendor program for several reasons:
- The trainings do not cover all of the content required in DBPR’s Responsible Vendor Checklist (BLE-116)
- They do not provide the required signage, acknowledgments, and written policies that an establishment must have on file to qualify as a Responsible Vendor
- The training is issued to an individual, not an establishment, and the establishment is the entity that earns Responsible Vendor designation
- There is no built-in mechanism to ensure staff members and managers complete the required refresher trainings (three trainings per year are required, typically one in-depth training followed by two refresher trainings)
Because of these differences, completing an online alcohol training alone does not make an establishment a Responsible Vendor in the eyes of the state.
Why Some Operators Choose Responsible Vendor Training
Operators typically participate in the state’s Responsible Vendor of Alcohol training for one of two reasons:
- They want to better equip their staff with the knowledge and tools to ensure responsible alcohol service and earn the Responsible Vendor designation to help protect their liquor license
- Participation is required due to a corporate, holding company, or parent company policy
If an establishment’s only requirement is #2, they technically may participate in whichever alcohol training their organization allows. However, the point we often make to GMs, directors, and managers is that if you’re going to invest time in alcohol training anyway, it may as well be the training that both fulfills your corporate requirement and provides tangible benefits from the state.
Does Responsible Vendor Training Have to Be In-Person?
The state does not explicitly state that Responsible Vendor training must be completed in person. That said, there are few reputable state-approved Responsible Vendor programs in Florida that are completed entirely online.
Our Responsible Vendor program is structured to balance compliance, effectiveness, and operational flexibility:
- One in-person training per year
- Two required refresher trainings delivered as short, 10-minute online modules
- An online alcohol training option for new hires who join after the in-person session, allowing them to get up to speed while still supporting Responsible Vendor compliance
The program is structured as a flat annual fee, with no per-person costs, and includes full access to refresher trainings and new-hire training throughout the year.
Final Thoughts for Restaurant and Hotel Operators
If you already have an alcohol training solution that works well for your team, there is nothing wrong with continuing to use it.
This article is simply meant to provide clarity on why some restaurant and hotel operators choose to participate in Florida’s Responsible Vendor of Alcohol training over other alcohol training programs.
Understanding the distinction allows operators to make informed decisions based on their risk tolerance, operational needs, and corporate requirements – rather than assumptions or incomplete information.
Want to learn if Responsible Vendor training makes sense for your operation?
Serve It Up Safe provides state-approved Responsible Vendor of Alcohol training for restaurants, bars, and hotels across Florida and the United States.