The Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco kicked off spring break enforcement with a prolific number of arrests. Thursday, ABT agents began a three–week–long spring break enforcement operation in Panama City Beach with 125 arrests.

Agents arrested 119 for underage possession of an alcoholic beverage, three for giving false identification to a law enforcement officer, two for selling or giving alcoholic beverages to the underage and one possession of narcotics.

“I hope that 125 arrests on the first night of ABT enforcement sends a message to spring breakers that underage drinking is against the law and will not be tolerated in Florida,” said Interim Secretary Charlie Liem.

From March 11 through March 26, 20 ABT agents from around the state will be in Panama City to ensure compliance with underage drinking laws and retailer compliance with alcoholic beverage to prevent underage youth from obtaining alcohol. ABT will partner with local law enforcement and other state agencies and serve as the lead agency on all tobacco- and alcohol-related offences.

The mission of ABT is to keep alcohol and tobacco out of the hands of underage persons, to ensure that licensed establishments are in compliance with the laws and rules regulating the industry in Florida, and to collect taxes and fees related to these industries.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The department licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists. For more information, please visit MyFloridaLicense.com.