293 acres of hemp were grown in Florida in 2020
On this page you will find Florida hemp law along with a history of how Florida hemp bills have progressed through the State capitol over the years. We also provide links to important information concerning Florida hemp programs and state agency advisories or opinion letters.
Florida Department of Agriculture – Hemp & CBD in Florida
Florida Industrial Hemp Planting Permits
FDACS – Weights & Measures Considerations for Cannabis, Hemp and Similar Products
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — April 27 marks the one-year anniversary of Florida’s state hemp program, overseen by the Florida...
The first year of Florida’s hemp industry was one of trial and error on the ground, but the projections...
On Friday May 3rd, the Florida Senate voted unanimously to pass a bill to establish a regulatory framework for...
Is hemp farming legal in Florida? Hemp farming was legalized in Florida in 2019.
2019
HB 333
State Hemp Program; Creates state hemp program within DACS; directs DACS to submit plan to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture for approval, maintain land registry & submit monthly reports, & adopt rules in consultation with DOH & DBPR; provides licensure requirements; requires licensees to use specified hemp seeds & cultivars; provides requirements for distribution & sale of hemp extract; provides for violations, corrective measures, & enforcement; revises colleges & universities at which department is required to authorize & oversee industrial hemp pilot projects.
Position: Support
Status: Passed House and Senate unanimously
2017
SB-1726
Sponsor: Sen. Montford
Summary: Industrial Hemp Pilot Projects; Authorizing specified state universities to develop industrial hemp pilot projects in partnership with public, nonprofit, and private entities; requiring pilot projects to comply with rules adopted by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; requiring the specified state universities to develop partnerships with certain entities; requiring the pilot projects to be funded with private resources to the fullest extent possible, etc.
Position: Support
Status: Signed into law by Gov. Scott on June 16, 2017
Sponsor: Rep. Massullo
Summary: Industrial Hemp Programs; Authorizes specified universities in state to engage in industrial hemp research projects; requires such universities to submit report to Governor & Legislature; directs DACS to adopt rules; provides appropriation. APPROPRIATION: $900,000.00
Position: Oppose – No need for research as hemp was grown in Flordia up until 1957 so its not a new crop. Wastes $900,000 on an unneeded study.
2016
SB-554
Hemp Production; Citing this act as the “Hemp Industry Development Act”; specifying that hemp is an agricultural crop; requiring the registration of hemp growers; providing registration requirements; allowing the department to assess registration fees; providing exemptions; providing for an affirmative defense to certain charges relating to cannabis; providing exceptions to other laws, etc.
Position: Support
Status: Died in committee
An act relating to the medical use of cannabis; Contains provision allowing colleges of agriculuture to conduct Cannabis research. “Any college or university in the state that has a college of agriculture may conduct cannabis research consistent with state and federal law.”
Status: Signed by Gov. Scott on March 25th 2016
Designates act “Hemp Industry Development Act”; specifies that hemp is agricultural crop; requires registration of hemp growers; provides registration requirements; provides exemptions; requires rulemaking; provides for affirmative defense to certain charges relating to cannabis; provides exceptions to other laws.
2015
SB 902
Hemp Production; Citing this act as the “Hemp Industry Development Act”; providing that hemp is an agricultural crop; providing legislative intent; requiring registration of hemp producers; providing registration requirements; providing exemptions; requiring rulemaking; providing for an affirmative defense to certain charges relating to cannabis; providing exceptions to other laws, etc.
Hemp Production; Designates act “Hemp Industry Development Act”; provides that hemp is agricultural crop; requires registration of hemp producers; provides exemptions; requires rulemaking; provides for affirmative defense to certain charges relating to cannabis; provides exceptions to other laws.