Floridaze THC seltzer expands to 20-plus Tampa Bay accounts

Floridaze, a Tampa-based hemp-derived THC seltzer brand, is now sold in more than 20 bars, restaurants and retail accounts across Tampa Bay. The expansion signals growing mainstream demand for cannabis beverages and gives beer-style drinking occasions a new nonalcoholic option.

Why it matters: - Floridaze is pushing hemp-derived THC drinks into the same venues that have long sold beer and hard seltzer. - The brand’s Tampa Bay rollout shows how cannabis beverages are moving from niche products into everyday social settings. - A fast sellout at one Ybor City bar suggests consumer demand can translate quickly in on-premise accounts.

What happened: - Floridaze is now pouring in more than 20 bars, restaurants and retail accounts across Tampa Bay, not including events and festivals. - Founder Oytun "Oy" Tutuncu spent two decades in beer and hospitality before launching the hemp-derived THC seltzer brand. - The company is selling through on-premise accounts such as bars and restaurants and off-premise accounts such as liquor stores and retailers. - Floridaze is also pursuing the traditional three-tier supplier, distributor and retailer system rather than relying only on direct-to-consumer sales.

The details: - Floridaze’s Sunshine Infused Seltzers contain 5 mg of hemp-derived Delta-9 THC per can. - The drinks are zero sugar and use natural flavors. - Current flavors include Watermelon, Blue Raz and Coconut. - The product is made from hemp grown by American farmers and mixed and packaged in Tampa Bay. - Every batch is third-party lab tested for purity and potency. - The hemp used contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. - The drinks are intended for adults 21 and over. - Gaspar's Grotto, an Ybor City bar, sold out of Floridaze in two weeks, according to general manager Andy Seavey. - Seavey said the drink gave customers a new option and boosted kitchen orders. - THC beverages reached $239 million in mainstream retail in the 52 weeks ending April 4, 2026, up 135% from the prior year, according to NIQ. - Floridaze’s store locator lists current Tampa Bay accounts carrying the product. - Floridaze also ships direct to consumers in eligible states. - More information is available at Floridaze.com.

Between the lines: - Floridaze is leaning on beer culture, not cannabis culture, to market the product. - The company is targeting familiar drinking occasions such as happy hour, dinner, beach trips, boat days, tailgates, concerts and festivals. - The 5 mg dose is positioned as a lighter social option, closer to a light beer than an edible. - Tutuncu is framing the brand as an alternative, not an anti-alcohol play, which may help it fit into existing bar and retail channels.

What's next: - Floridaze plans to keep expanding through bars, restaurants, liquor stores and retailers across Florida. - The company is also building direct-to-consumer sales in eligible states. - The brand’s early Tampa Bay traction suggests more account growth could follow if sell-through stays strong.

The bottom line: - Floridaze is betting that hemp-derived THC can win by borrowing beer’s social playbook and serving it in familiar places.