Sunshine State of Suds: Florida Brewers Guild Conference Kicks Off Today

The taps are flowing and the conversations are buzzing as the Florida Brewers Guild Conference returns, celebrating not just the strength of the Sunshine State’s brewing industry but its resilience, innovation, and passion for community. Whether you’re a seasoned brewer, distributor, or just a craft-curious fan, this event is where Florida’s beer future gets brewed.

A Brief History of Florida Craft Beer

Throwback to Florida’s early craft beer roots

Florida's craft beer movement started picking up serious momentum in the early 2000s, but its roots go deeper. From the humble beginnings of pioneers like Tampa Bay Brewing Company (1995) and Dunedin Brewery (1996)—the state’s oldest microbrewery Florida’s beer culture evolved from a quirky niche into a serious economic and cultural force.

Today, Florida ranks among the top states in number of craft breweries, with more than 400 scattered across its beaches, bayous, and bustling downtowns. From Cigar City in Tampa to Funky Buddha in Oakland Park, Florida brewers have established themselves as innovative, eclectic, and driven by a love of local flavor.

The Brewers Guild: Advocacy Meets Community

The Florida Brewers Guild: Supporting the people behind the pints

The Florida Brewers Guild (FBG) isn’t just hosting this event, they’re the connective tissue between the taproom and Tallahassee. Through advocacy, education, and community-building, FBG has helped local brewers navigate everything from regulatory hurdles to supply chain chaos.

In recent years, the Guild has fought hard against outdated laws, including restrictions on growler sales, and continues to push for self-distribution rights that would give small breweries greater control over their own success. They’ve also been instrumental in protecting brewery taprooms often a lifeline for smaller operations and promoting sustainable practices across the state.

At this year’s conference, expect panels on:

• Legislative trends and lobbying updates

• Brewery workforce development

• DEI in beer

• Strategies for growing your brand in a crowded market

Florida Beer’s Next Chapter

The future of craft beer in Florida is dynamic, competitive, and full of opportunity. But it’s not without challenges. Earlier this year, Senate Bill 138 was introduced, which included language around franchise reform that could dramatically impact how breweries partner with distributors.

While the bill stalled for now, it has ignited conversations across the industry about modernizing beer laws to better reflect the entrepreneurial spirit of today’s brewers.

Meanwhile, consumer trends ranging from non-alcoholic beers to RTD cocktails are reshaping the tap list. Florida brewers are responding with bold flavor innovations, tighter community engagement, and collaborations that stretch beyond beer: think coffee, THC-infused seltzers, and even craft soda.

As the conference kicks off today, one thing’s clear: the future of Florida craft beer is being shaped by those bold enough to brew it.

🍻 Cheers to growth, grit, and good beer in the Sunshine State.
Let the conference begin.