Florida Liquor Liability & Dram Shop Expert Witness

When handling a liquor liability case in Florida, you need experts who fully understand one of the most restrictive dram shop laws in the nation. Florida Statutes § 768.125 provides broad protections for vendors, with only two narrow exceptions where liability may apply. As specialists in these uniquely challenging cases, we provide rigorous, forensic-level analysis to determine whether a claim has any chance of meeting Florida’s high statutory standards.

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Why Choose

Why You Need Specialized Experts for Florida Liquor Liability

Because Florida law does not allow claims for simply over-serving an adult, expertise in the two narrow exceptions is critical.

Mastery of High-Intent Standards

Demonstrating “willful” service to a minor or “knowing” service to a habitually addicted individual requires deep evaluation of circumstantial evidence, witness testimony, prior records, and operational protocols.

Understanding of Local Standards of Care

We are highly familiar with Florida’s operational standards and responsible vendor training programs. While training lapses alone may not establish liability, they often illustrate vendor practices concerning age verification and managing problematic patrons.

Jury Communication & Venue Experience

Explaining Florida’s strict legal standards to juries requires authority and precision. Our team has the experience to present these issues clearly and persuasively in Florida courtrooms, including within the U.S. District Court for the Southern, Middle, and Northern Districts of Florida.

Services

Our Florida Liquor Liability Consulting Services

We focus on the evidence gathering and analysis required to determine whether a case can possibly succeed under Florida’s demanding dram shop law.

Case Merit Evaluation & Initial Analysis

Confidential, candid review of facts to assess whether a claim can meet one of Florida’s two statutory exceptions.

Comprehensive Evidence Review

Detailed examination of documentation such as ID-checking systems, incident reports, prior written notices, and witness interviews to build a record of proof.

Expert Witness Reports

Professionally prepared reports designed to clearly support a claim of “willful” or “knowing” service.

Deposition & Trial Testimony

Clear, concise, and authoritative testimony capable of withstanding rigorous cross-examination on Florida’s strict legal requirements.

Specialization

Specialized Knowledge for Florida Liability Cases

Our expertise focuses exclusively on whether statutory immunity can be overcome under one of the two exceptions.

Willful and Unlawful Service to Minors

We build cases by identifying deliberate violations of Florida’s prohibition against furnishing alcohol to underage persons, and connecting those acts to resulting injuries.

Proving "Habitual Addiction" & Knowledge

We specialize in uncovering evidence showing that a vendor was on notice of a patron’s habitual addiction, such as family notifications, repeated law enforcement interventions, or other direct communications.

Services Area

Service Areas Across Florida

We provide expert witness consulting across the District of Florida, including:

Miami

Tampa, St. Petersburg

Orlando

Jacksonville

West Palm Beach

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I sue a bar for serving a visibly intoxicated adult in Florida?

No. Florida law does not recognize liability for injuries arising from serving a visibly intoxicated adult. The only possible claim for an adult patron arises if they were habitually addicted to alcohol and the vendor knew it.

How do you prove a bar knew someone was “habitually addicted”?

This is one of the hardest burdens to meet under Florida law. It generally requires proof that the vendor had prior written notice or equivalent formal notification. Simply observing heavy drinking is usually not enough.

What are your expert witness fees for Florida cases?

We provide a clear, itemized fee schedule upon request to ensure transparency and help with case planning.

Free 30 Minute Dram Shop Expert Consultation

Contact Florida Liquor Liability Experts

If you are evaluating a potential liquor liability case in Florida, you need experienced professionals who understand the state’s extraordinary legal hurdles. Contact us today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.

Preston Rideout

CEO and Founder