www.CostaRicaTicas.com

If your flight returns thru Atlanta you are sent through TSA security checkpoint after arrival and customs, to catch another flight or even if you are back home. The international terminal empties into the secure area of the airport so a TSA check is required.
This means that duty free liquors and perfumes acquired before you boarded the plane in San Jose cannot be taken back in your carry on bag.

There is one exception. If Atlanta is your final destination, your checked bag is claimed and you can open it and place your liquor bottle in it before placing it in the conveyor so it can arrive at general baggage claim.

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PacoLoco: "You pay for it one way or another."
Ace: "Rent everything, do not buy in Costa Rica"

I think that may be pretty much standard now at all airports, which you have a domestic connection. I just returned from Japan this past Saturday, and they announced on the plane that any liquids need to be placed in your checked baggage before going through customs, i.e. after passport control. This was also the same statement made when I returned from Italy last month. Of course lighters are still restricted, even in your checked luggage, got busted on that one while going through the check-in screening process in Japan. Bic and the match makers must be making a killing now a days.
ShyOne