As the Sunshine State’s liquor laws continue to evolve, a few holdouts remain where Sunday sales are still restricted or prohibited altogether.
Fort Lauderdale, FL – Florida, known for its lively nightlife, bars and tourist attractions, still has remnants of a bygone era – Blue Laws and dry cities. These laws, which restrict or prohibit the sale of alcohol on Sundays, have been a part of American history since colonial times. While many states have repealed these laws, some Florida cities and counties continue to enforce them.
Blue Laws originated in the 17th century when Puritan colonies in New England prohibited various activities on Sundays, including drinking, dancing, and sports. The term “Blue Law” likely came from the blue paper on which these laws were printed. Over time, these laws spread throughout the United States, with many states adopting their own versions.
History of Blue Laws in Florida
Blue Laws, also known as Sunday laws, have their roots in the early colonial period. These laws were designed to enforce religious standards, particularly the observance of Sunday as a day of rest and worship. In Florida, Blue Laws date back to the Spanish colonial period in the 1650s, when the sale of alcohol on Sundays was prohibited to curb immoral behavior.