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Committee approves change allowing wine sales in recyclable containers up to 5.16 gallons
Summary
CS for SB 578 would allow Florida wineries to sell wine in recyclable containers, including boxed formats, up to the existing 5.16-gallon limit. Sponsor said the change aligns Florida with neighboring states and helps reduce transportation costs; amendment conformed the bill to the House companion.
The committee reported favorably on CS for SB 578, a bill that would allow wine to be sold in recyclable containers, including boxed formats, up to the statutory limit of 5.16 gallons.
Sponsor Senator Leake said a 2013 law had set a 5.16‑gallon container size but required containers to be reusable, which limited options for recyclable inserts and alternative containers. The amendment adopted in committee conformed the Senate language to the House companion by explicitly allowing delivery in any container—including boxes—limited to 5.16 gallons.
Senator Gruters asked whether the legislation was intended to expand boxed‑wine sales; the sponsor said the intent was not to force boxed wine but to allow recyclable inserts and other container types that preserve product quality and lower transportation costs.
The bill was adopted as amended and reported favorably.
