Florida requires every tobacco retailer to obtain proper licensing to sell tobacco products legally in the state. Your first permit costs $50, but smart business owners should plan for more expenses. This guide breaks down the exact fees you’ll pay to get compliant and stay that way.
Who Needs a Florida Tobacco License?
Each retailer looking to sell nicotine or tobacco products in Florida must obtain a permit for each business location. This includes vending machines. You need one permit per location where your cigarette vending machines are located. One permit covers all machines at that location.
Businesses that need Florida tobacco licenses include convenience stores selling cigarettes, tobacco shops and vape shops, gas stations with tobacco products, any retail location selling cigars, vaping products, or nicotine items, and businesses with tobacco vending machines.
The permit you need is called a Retail Tobacco Products Dealer (RTPD) permit. An RTPD permit authorizes the retail sale of tobacco products and nicotine products to consumers.
If you only sell nicotine products like tobacco-free nicotine pouches or vape products without tobacco content, you can apply for a Retail Nicotine Products Dealer (RNPD) permit at no cost. If you sell any tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, or other tobacco products, you’ll need to apply for an RTPD permit, which also covers nicotine products.
Who Doesn’t Need a Florida Tobacco License?
Some businesses do not need tobacco permits under Florida law:
Nicotine-Only B2B Companies
Companies that sell only nicotine products like tobacco-free nicotine pouches or vape products exclusively to other licensed distributors, and retailers do not need permits. These products have nicotine derived from tobacco, but no actual tobacco leaves or plant matter. Since they are not “tobacco products” under Florida Statute § 210.25(12) and only sell business-to-business, they fall outside licensing requirements.
Tobacco Wholesale Dealers
Under Florida Statute § 210.35, wholesale dealer licenses are only required for distributors of actual tobacco products. Companies selling nicotine-only products as mentioned above do not need a Tobacco Wholesale Dealer (TWD) license.
How to Apply for a Tobacco Wholesale Dealer License
If you operate as a tobacco wholesaler, you need to obtain a Tobacco Wholesale Dealer license. The initial temporary license costs $25 per license category. Follow these steps to complete your application:
Complete the Application Form:
- Fill out DBPR ABT-6005 either online through the Florida DBPR portal or as a fillable PDF. The form includes detailed instructions for each section.
Prepare Required Documents:
- Gather your Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) from the IRS. Submit your Secretary of State Certificate of Status if your business is a corporation, partnership, or LLC. Provide certified copies of arrest dispositions if any related party has applicable criminal history. Include mitigation of moral character documentation if required based on background disclosures.
Complete Surety Bond Application:
- Fill out Form DBPR ABT-6032 Surety Bond Application. This bond protects the state and ensures compliance with tobacco wholesale regulations.
Submit Additional Documents if Applicable:
- Provide proof of right of occupancy for your wholesale location if requested. Include a letter from your cigarette taxing authority if you handle cigarette distribution. Be prepared to provide any additional requirements listed in the form instructions.
Submit Your Application:
- Submit your application online through the Florida DBPR online services portal. Make sure all required documents are included to avoid processing delays.
Florida Tobacco License Costs
Here are the costs for your Florida Retail tobacco permits:
| Fee Type | FL Tobacco Permit | FL Nicotine Permit | Notes |
| Initial Application | $50 per location | No fee | One permit required per business location |
| Annual Renewal | $50 | Required annually | RTPD renewal due by January 15th each year |
| Late Renewal Penalty | $5 per month (or partial month) | Not specified | Only applies to RTPD permits |
| Federal Requirements | No fee | No fee | The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) does not charge for tobacco business approval. |
Your total first-year cost depends on the permit type and the number of locations. RTPD permits cost $50 per location, while RNPD permits have no application fee.
How to Apply for Your Florida Tobacco License
The application process requires specific forms and documentation. Follow these steps to complete your application successfully.
Register Your Business Entity
Before applying for your tobacco permit, you must register your business with the proper agencies.
Florida Department of State:
- All corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and limited partnerships must register with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. Your application will be incomplete without an active registration and document number.
IRS:
- Obtain your Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) from the Internal Revenue Service. You can apply for an EIN online through the IRS website.
Florida Department of Revenue:
- Register for state tax through the Florida Department of Revenue to obtain your state tax registration numbers.
Complete Form DBPR ABT-6028
Download and complete Form DBPR ABT-6028 (Application for Retail Tobacco Products Dealer Permit or Retail Nicotine Products Dealer Permit) from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
The 9-page form requires these sections:
Section 1A – Applicant Information:
- Full legal name of applicant (permit issued in this name)
- Business name (D/B/A)
- Mailing address and contact information
- FEIN number and Department of State document number (if applicable)
Section 2A-2D – Permit Information:
- Choose permit type: RTPD (tobacco and nicotine products) or RNPD (nicotine products only)
- Business location address for each permit requested
- Methods of sale: over the counter, vending machine, internet, mobile, or smoking pipes/devices
- Include website address for internet sales or VIN number for mobile sales
- Permit applicant (if sole proprietorship)
- All officers of the applicant
- Anyone owning more than 10% ownership interests. Include name, title/position, and ownership percentage for each person.
- Personal information (SSN, address, physical description)
- Criminal history disclosure (7 specific questions about tobacco-related offenses)
- Notarized affidavit (Section 4B)
Section 6 – Applicant Affidavit: The applicant must sign and notarize this section, agreeing to inspections and record-keeping requirements.
Gather Required Documents
For RTPD Applications:
- Completed Form DBPR ABT-6028
- $50 check payable to “Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco” (for each permit)
- Copy of arrest dispositions (if any related party answered “yes” to criminal history questions)
- Additional sheets if applying for multiple locations
For RNPD Applications:
- Completed Form DBPR ABT-6028
- No fee required
- Copy of arrest dispositions (if applicable)
- Additional sheets if needed
Submit Your Application
You can submit your application online through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation online portal. Applications are reviewed for completeness, background checks, and compliance with Florida statutes. You’ll receive written notification if errors or omissions need correction. Processing times may vary.
Display Your Permit
Once approved, you must display your permit properly. Retail locations should display the permit conspicuously where customers can see it. Vending machines should post the permit on or near each machine. If you own multiple locations, then each needs their own displayed permit.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Incomplete Section 3 (missing related parties can result in denial)
- Unsigned or non-notarized affidavits in Sections 4B and 6
- Missing Department of State registration for business entities
- Incorrect permit type selection
- Missing arrest dispositions when required
- Incomplete address information for business locations
Contact your local DBPR district office if you need help completing your application.
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