It depends on the state, In Florida, it is clearly, absolutely, written in stone, clear as day illegal to own a still or the products to make distilled spirits. The law does not cover the fact nearly everything used has another purpose, that is for the judge and or jury...
Yes, you can get a fuel license, and that is highly recommended, because what that will do is keep the Feds from being required to seize your equipment and house/land... (again, for clarity, "
the personal property of that person located in the distillery, and that person's interest in the tract of land on which the still is located, SHALL be forfeited to the United States" means that the prosecutor or judge does not have a choice, shall means MUST!)
actual federal law saying shall seize:
- Under 26 U.S.C. 5615(3), whenever any person carries on the business of a distiller without having given the required bond or with the intent to defraud the United States of tax on distilled spirits, the personal property of that person located in the distillery, and that person's interest in the tract of land on which the still is located, shall be forfeited to the United States.