Is Cannabis Legal in Florida?
As of 2025, cannabis remains illegal for recreational use in Florida. However, medical cannabis is legal and regulated under state law.
Medical Cannabis in Florida
Medical cannabis was legalised in Florida following the approval of Amendment 2 in the 2016 general election with 71% of voters in support. This amendment allows patients with qualifying medical conditions to access cannabis for therapeutic use. To qualify, patients must obtain a recommendation from a certified physician and register with the state’s medical marijuana use registry. They are then issued a medical marijuana ID card enabling them to purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries known as Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs).
The list of qualifying conditions includes cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and terminal illnesses among others. Patients may possess up to a 70-day supply of cannabis with specific limits on the amount depending on the form of the product. Smoking of medical cannabis is permitted in private settings.
Recreational Cannabis in Florida
Recreational cannabis remains illegal in Florida. In the 2024 general election voters considered Amendment 3, a proposed constitutional amendment to legalise recreational cannabis for adults aged 21 and older. The amendment received 55.9% of the vote, falling short of the 60% supermajority required for constitutional amendments in Florida. As a result the measure did not pass and recreational cannabis remains prohibited.
Possession and Penalties
Possession of up to 20 grams of cannabis is classified as a misdemeanor in Florida, punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and a driver's license suspension. However, several cities and counties have enacted reforms to apply lesser penalties, such as civil citations, for possession of small amounts of cannabis.
Local Reforms
Some local governments in Florida have implemented measures to reduce penalties for cannabis possession. For example, Miami-Dade County has adopted a policy allowing civil citations for possession of up to 20 grams of cannabis, with a fine of $100 or community service in lieu of arrest. Other areas, including Broward County, Palm Beach County, Tampa, and Orlando, have similar decriminalization policies.
Future Outlook
While recreational marijuana remains illegal in Florida, the state's medical marijuana program continues to expand. Advocates for broader cannabis legalization are likely to continue efforts to place new initiatives on the ballot in future elections. The outcome of such initiatives will depend on voter support and the political climate at the time.
Summary
In Florida medical cannabis is legal for patients with qualifying conditions who obtain a recommendation from a certified physician and register with the state’s medical marijuana use registry. Recreational cannabis remains illegal with a 2024 ballot measure failing to achieve the necessary supermajority for passage. Possession of cannabis without a valid medical marijuana ID card is illegal and subject to criminal penalties.