SUBJECT
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Public Hearing (LDCT-2025-23 Alcohol Separation Requirements & Hours LDC Text Amendment) (First Reading) to amend Chapter 2, Section 224 and Table 2.4, to change the method of distance measurement, reduce distance separations for different types of alcohol licenses from religious institutions and schools, and adjust Sunday hours of operation. (No Fiscal Impact)
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DESCRIPTION
This is a County-initiated request for an LDC text amendment to amend Chapter 2, Section 224, Alcohol Sales to amend separation distance measurements from property/lease line to shortest legal pedestrian route; to reduce distance separations for 1COP, 2COP, 4COP, and 3PS licenses; and to allow package sales on Sundays and adjust COP Sunday hours. On December 3, 2025, the Planning Commission voted 6:1 to recommend approval of the amendment.
Section 163.3202, Florida Statutes (F.S.) requires the Board to adopt Land Development Code (LDC) regulations consistent with the implementation of the Polk County Comprehensive Plan. Amendments to the LDC require two public hearings before the Board to be adopted. This is the first of the two hearings.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt on second reading on January 20, 2026
FISCAL IMPACT
No Fiscal Impact
CONTACT INFORMATION
Andrew Grohowski, Planner II
Land Development Division
(863) 534-6412
andrewgrohowski@polkfl.gov