I used to defend bars, restaurants, and their insurers in dram shop cases.Now I represent the people hurt by what they served.
When a drunk driver hits you, the driver is responsible. Sometimes the bar that served them is too.
Florida’s dram shop law is narrow, and bars rely on that to walk away. I know the narrow paths that still lead to them, because I used to guard them.
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The things people ask first.
You can recover if you are 50% or less at fault. Your award is reduced by your share. Fla. Stat. § 768.81
No fees or costs unless we win. Your consultation is free.
Someone who sells or serves alcohol to an adult is generally not liable for injuries that adult causes. Fla. Stat. § 768.125
A seller can be liable if it willfully and unlawfully served someone under 21, or knowingly served someone habitually addicted to alcohol.
Florida generally doesn’t hold private hosts liable for serving adult guests. Serving minors can create other liability.
Your recovery is reduced by your share of fault. If you are found more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing. Fla. Stat. § 768.81
Most negligence claims arising after March 24, 2023 must be filed within two years. Fla. Stat. § 95.11
I know the two doors Florida leaves open. A bar is liable only if it served a minor, or knowingly served someone habitually addicted to alcohol. Defense lawyers win by saying neither applies. I know what evidence proves them: bar tabs, receipts, staff testimony, regular customer history, ID checks, and video. That evidence is what puts a bar’s policy on the table.
I know why it matters to you. Drunk drivers often carry low limits or none at all. A bar’s liquor liability policy can be the difference between a claim that covers your losses and one that doesn’t.
I look at every other door too. A bar can still be liable for its own negligence apart from serving, like poor security or a dangerous property. I find every policy, which means more money available to you.
I handle your case personally. Not a case manager. You call or text, I answer.
Steps that protect your claim.
Call 911 and get the police report.
Get medical care right away.
Find out where the driver was drinking, if anyone knows.
Note any receipts, wristbands, or event details.
Bar video and tabs don’t stay around long.
My office is on North Dale Mabry in Carrollwood. You don’t have to come to me. I’ll meet you at the office, at your home, or at the hospital. Most clients handle everything by phone, text, and email.
Bring what you have: photos, the exchange form, insurance letters, medical bills. It doesn’t need to be organized. That’s my job.
Call or text me at (813) 547-4707.
What your claim can include
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Only in limited cases: if the driver was under 21 or the bar knew the driver was habitually addicted to alcohol. I’ll tell you honestly whether your case fits.
Regular customer records, staff knowledge, prior incidents, and the person’s history. It takes fast investigation.
That can be a negligent security claim.
Nothing unless we win. My fee and case costs come out of the recovery. If there is no recovery, you owe nothing.
Every case is handled by me. Not assistants, case managers, or call centers.
Written by Jacob Gordon, Florida Bar No. 125004 · Updated October 2026