Orlando may loosen code limits on craft breweries

Beer growlers bearing the brand of craft brewery Orlando Brewing
Beer growlers bearing the brand of craft brewery Orlando Brewing

The city of Orlando may loosen its land development code to accommodate a new wave of craft breweries.

The current code prevents breweries, distilleries and wineries from filling more than 25 percent of their commercial space with production equipment.

The city’s planning board voted May 17 to expand the allowable allocation to production equipment to 50 percent. The city council on July 11 will consider the 50 percent proposal.

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According to research by the Orlando Business Journal, 24 craft breweries operate in Central Florida, including 15 that opened in 2013 or since.

“We recognize that craft brewers as well as related distillery and winery uses may need more than 25 percent of their floor area to sustain production,” City of Orlando spokeswoman Cassandra Lafser told the weekly business newspaper. [Orlando Business Journal] — Mike Seemuth