Written by: Niko San Pedro
Instagram: @nikosanpedro

Florida is home to a rich cigar culture, with many of the world’s best cigars coming from this state. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur looking to expand your cigar business or someone just starting out, Florida offers great opportunities for success. But to succeed in the cigar industry, it's essential to navigate Florida's complex regulations and requirements. As a business owner based out of Florida, I understand these regulations firsthand and have helped many entrepreneurs successfully launch their cigar businesses in this market.

In this blog, I’ll break down the key steps for selling cigars in Florida and how FarmhouseBlends.com can help you build your cigar business from the ground up.

Step 1: Obtain Your Federal Tobacco License

Before diving into Florida's state-specific regulations, it’s important to obtain your federal tobacco licenses. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is the federal agency responsible for issuing these licenses, and any business involved in the manufacture, distribution, or sale of cigars in the U.S. needs to apply for a Tobacco Manufacturer’s License or Wholesale Dealer’s License. These licenses will cover your business across all states, including Florida.

The process of obtaining these federal licenses can seem intimidating, but don’t worry—FarmhouseBlends.com can guide you through the steps and make sure your application is complete.

To apply for your federal tobacco license, visit the TTB website.

Step 2: Apply for Florida State Tobacco Licenses

Once you have obtained your federal licenses, the next step is to apply for the appropriate Florida state tobacco license. Florida has specific licensing requirements for businesses that manufacture, distribute, or sell cigars. Depending on your business model, you may need a Florida Tobacco Dealer's License.

To apply for this license, you’ll need to go through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). This license is crucial for any business that sells cigars in Florida, whether it’s in a physical store or online. Additionally, you may need to obtain a sales tax permit from the Florida Department of Revenue.

For more information on how to apply for a Florida Tobacco Dealer’s License, visit the DBPR website.

Step 3: Understand Florida's Tobacco Taxes

Florida imposes significant taxes on tobacco products, including cigars. It's crucial to stay up to date on these tax rates as they directly impact your business’s profitability. Florida charges a $1.39 per pack tax on cigars, and businesses must collect and remit the appropriate taxes when selling tobacco products.

The Florida Department of Revenue is responsible for collecting tobacco taxes, and your business must comply with all tax reporting and payment deadlines to avoid penalties. Staying organized and ensuring that your sales tax and tobacco tax filings are timely will help you stay in good standing with the state.

To learn more about Florida’s tobacco taxes, visit the Florida Department of Revenue's website.

Step 4: Follow Age Verification Regulations

Florida has strict laws regarding the sale of tobacco products. The legal age to purchase cigars is 21, and it is your responsibility as a retailer to ensure that customers are of legal age before completing a sale. This means implementing age verification measures, such as scanning IDs, to prevent selling cigars to underage customers.

Florida has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to selling tobacco to minors, and any violation could lead to severe fines or even the revocation of your tobacco license. Keeping your staff trained on age verification best practices and using reliable tools to confirm age is key to maintaining compliance.

At FarmhouseBlends.com, we provide resources to help businesses develop best practices for age verification. We can help you set up systems that reduce the risk of accidental noncompliance.

Step 5: Comply with Packaging and Labeling Laws

In Florida, cigars must meet specific packaging and labeling requirements. All cigars sold in the state must carry the federally mandated health warnings on their packaging. This includes specific labeling for tobacco products, and cigars cannot be sold without proper warning labels regarding the health risks associated with tobacco use.

Moreover, some local ordinances in Florida may have additional requirements for cigar packaging, including restrictions on flavored tobacco products. It’s essential to stay updated on these local laws to ensure that your cigars are compliant and can be sold without issue.

If you need assistance with designing packaging that meets both federal and state requirements, FarmhouseBlends.com can help. We offer advice on how to navigate both packaging regulations and Florida-specific restrictions.

How FarmhouseBlends.com Can Help You Build Your Cigar Brand

As a company based in Florida, we at FarmhouseBlends.com specialize in helping businesses of all sizes build their cigar brands. From navigating complex regulatory requirements to branding, marketing, and distribution strategies, we provide the resources you need to succeed in the competitive cigar market.

We understand the challenges involved in launching a cigar business, and we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible. Whether you're starting your own brand or looking to expand your existing operations, FarmhouseBlends.com can offer expert advice and guidance every step of the way.

Checklist for Selling Cigars in Florida:

1. Obtain federal tobacco licenses (Tobacco Manufacturer’s License, Wholesale Dealer’s License) through the TTB.

2. Apply for Florida state tobacco licenses from the DBPR and obtain a sales tax permit.

3. Understand Florida’s tobacco tax rates and ensure timely tax filings with the Florida Department of Revenue.

4. Implement age verification systems to comply with Florida’s legal tobacco purchasing age of 21.

5. Comply with Florida’s packaging and labeling laws, including required health warnings and local ordinances on flavored tobacco products.

Join Our FREE Online Cigar Community

Building a cigar business isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s about being part of a community that shares knowledge, experiences, and advice. That’s why we’ve created a FREE online cigar community. It’s a space where you can connect with other cigar entrepreneurs, ask questions, and learn from others who have navigated the same challenges.

Join our FREE online cigar community today!

Final Thoughts

Starting a cigar business in Florida can be a rewarding experience, especially with the right knowledge and resources. From securing licenses to understanding tax requirements, there are several key steps to follow in order to stay compliant and succeed in the Florida market. At FarmhouseBlends.com, we are here to provide the support you need to build a strong brand and succeed in this exciting industry.

If you need help with any part of the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re dedicated to helping entrepreneurs like you navigate the complexities of the cigar business, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.