![\"Crudely](\"https:\/\/beerinflorida.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Brewery-road-sign-image.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nCrudely done and unofficial photo illustration by Gerard Walen<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Tucked in the midst of a long list of provisions to a transportation bill passed by the Florida Legislature is an add-on that should prove to be a real boon to local craft breweries.<\/p>\n
The list attached to CS\/CS\/HB 7061 \u2014 Transportation<\/a> includes this line:<\/p>\n Requires the FDOT to install directional signs for certain breweries on the rights-of-way of interstate highways and primary and secondary roads, subject to certain requirements and requires a brewery that requests a directional sign to pay certain costs.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n That\u2019s right, soon local breweries will be able to erect those blue (or maybe green or brown) signs, currently available to local wineries, on roadways to direct craft beer tourists to their taprooms.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a more complete explanation from the 2016 Florida statutes:<\/p>\n 563.13\u2003Florida brewery directional signs; fees.\u2014Upon the request of a brewery licensed under s. 561.221<\/a>(2) or (3) which produces a minimum of 2,500 barrels per year on the premises, is open to the public at least 30 hours per week, and is available for tours, the Department of Transportation shall install directional signs for the brewery on the rights-of-way of interstate highways and primary and secondary roads in accordance with Florida\u2019s Highway Guide Sign Program as provided in chapter 14-51, Florida Administrative Code. A brewery licensed in this state which requests placement of a directional sign through the department\u2019s permit process shall pay all associated costs.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The statute remains in the final stages of completion, so a few details still need to be worked out.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re waiting to hear back about what \u2018available for tours\u2019 means,\u201d \u00a0said Kent Bailey, Florida Brewers Guild<\/a> president and founder\/owner of Tampa\u2019s Coppertail Brewing Co. \u201cWould one tour a month qualify? \u00a0Or do you have to do multiple tours per day? \u00a0We\u2019re not sure.\u201d<\/p>\n Another detail that remains to be worked out is the cost for breweries to have the signs installed, said Josh Aubuchon, who as the FBG general counsel is the point man for the guild\u2019s interaction with the Legislature.<\/p>\n \u201cThe estimate was about $250 per sign,\u201d he said, \u00a0\u201cand the road signs can be placed on the rights-of-way of interstate highways and primary and secondary roads.\u201d<\/p>\n That estimate is in line with the current cost of the signs for a certified Florida Farm Winery<\/a>, in addition to an \u201cannual permit fee (that) shall not exceed $50.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEach of the seven districts of DOT will handle the signs in their local area,\u201d Aubuchon said. \u00a0\u201cThe timetable for placement will vary based upon the area \u2013 I would imagine the Tampa area will be crowded \u2013 and the number of signs requested.\u201d<\/p>\n The official applications from the state remain to be created, but Aubuchon said he\u2019ll have some forms \u00a0\u201cto get the ball rolling instead of needing to wait for the final forms\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOnce we get those, I imagine there are quite a few breweries that are going to be clamoring to get their applications in.\u201d<\/p>\n Any brewery owners interested in filling out an initial application or seeking more information should contact Aubuchon at Joshua.Aubuchon@hklaw.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n I\u2019ll share any developments as they become available.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n\n
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