County adopts zoning amendment to allow small‑scale alcoholic beverage producers in unincorporated areas

The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners on March 11 adopted an amendment to the Unified Land Development Code to permit small‑scale alcoholic beverage production facilities in unincorporated areas.

Planning staff said the change adds a limited category of producer uses—microbreweries, small wineries and similar operations—so those businesses may locate in specified unincorporated zoning districts and offer accessory on‑site uses. Christosan, principal planner, told the board the amendment affects only unincorporated county territory and does not supersede municipal ordinances or state alcohol licensing rules.

The adoption followed a month‑old first hearing and a lengthy public comment period. Business owners and tourism stakeholders from High Springs urged the county to clarify language about whether producers must sell food on site and about distributor/ self‑distribution rules. Julie Smith, a business representative from High Springs, asked the county to add “specific language on food requirements” to close a perceived loophole that currently prevents some breweries from opening on Sundays in certain municipalities.

Kelly Potter, owner of Prohibition Pizza in High Springs, warned the board about the “51% rule” used by some municipal ordinances (where a business must derive 51% of sales from food to qualify for certain Sunday hours) and asked whether the county amendment would allow breweries to self‑distribute their product to local restaurants.

Planning staff and commissioners repeatedly noted that state law governs distribution and licensing (the three‑tier system of producers, distributors and retailers) and that the county’s land‑use amendment does not change those state rules. The county’s change is limited to where small producers may locate in the unincorporated area and what accessory uses are allowable on site.

Commissioner remarks emphasized the county’s limited authority: the amendment addresses unincorporated land‑use designations and cannot override municipal home‑rule ordinances. Several commissioners said they would raise the High Springs concerns at an upcoming joint meeting with municipal leaders and the Tourist Development Council to encourage local coordination and reduce promotional inconsistencies.

The ordinance was approved by voice vote. Meeting minutes indicate the board reconvened as the Land Development Regulation Commission for the consistency finding and then returned to regular session to adopt the ordinance; staff will publish the ordinance language and updates to the code.