Read the Bills

Stay informed on the status of the proposed bills affecting the hemp industry in Florida with our bill tracker. This tool provides real-time updates and detailed information on the bills’ progression through the legislative process, ensuring you always know where things stand. Keep up-to-date on the latest developments and take action to protect the future of hemp in Florida.

HB 1475: Hemp

GENERAL BILL by Robinson, W. ; (CO-INTRODUCERS) Tant

Hemp; Provides that hemp extract is considered food subject to certain requirements; revises requirements that hemp extract must meet before being distributed & sold; provides that hemp extract may only be sold to businesses which meet certain permitting requirements; prohibits products intended for human ingestion which contain hemp extract from being sold to persons under specified age; provides requirement for products intended for human ingestion or inhalation; requires DACS to adopt rules.

Effective Date: 7/1/2023
Last Action: 3/9/2023 House – Now in Agriculture, Conservation & Resiliency Subcommittee
Bill Text: PDF
 

CS/SB 1676: Hemp

GENERAL BILL by Agriculture ; Burton ; (CO-INTRODUCERS) Rodriguez

Hemp; Providing that hemp extract is considered a food subject to certain requirements; revising the requirements that hemp extract must meet before being distributed and sold in this state; providing that hemp extract may only be sold to businesses in this state which meet certain permitting requirements; requiring the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to adopt rules, etc.

Effective Date: 7/1/2023
Last Action: 3/21/2023 Senate – Pending reference review under Rule 4.7(2) – (Committee Substitute)
Bill Text: Web Page | PDF

Alternative Policy Proposal

Although the deadline for submitting a bill has passed, SaveFLHemp.org is committed to exploring alternative solutions to protect the hemp industry in Florida. We invite you to review the full outline of our Alternative Policy Proposal, which is currently being finalized.

Title: A Comprehensive and Equitable Hemp Regulation Policy for Florida

Executive Summary:

This alternative policy proposal aims to establish a comprehensive and equitable hemp regulation framework in Florida that protects public health and safety, fosters industry growth, and supports small businesses and new entrepreneurs. The proposed policy aims to strike a balance between the need for regulations and the importance of nurturing a thriving hemp industry, while also supporting the rights of consumers and businesses.

  • Introduction

The hemp industry in Florida has shown tremendous growth and potential, with numerous businesses, farmers, and consumers benefiting from this versatile and valuable crop. To ensure that the hemp industry continues to thrive while safeguarding public health and safety, we propose the following comprehensive and equitable hemp regulation policy.

  • Licensing and Permitting
  1. Establish a tiered licensing system based on business size, revenue, and production capacity to make licensing more accessible and affordable for small businesses and new entrepreneurs.
  2. Offer discounted licensing fees for small businesses, minority-owned businesses, and veteran-owned businesses to encourage inclusivity and economic growth.
  3. Implement a straightforward and streamlined permitting process, with clear guidelines and reasonable timeframes, to reduce bureaucratic obstacles for businesses.
  • Quality Control and Testing
  1. Require independent, third-party lab testing for cannabinoid potency, pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants to ensure consumer safety.
  2. Implement transparent and standardized labeling requirements for all hemp-derived products to provide consumers with clear and accurate information.
  3. Allow businesses to provide Certificates of Analysis (COAs) as a means to demonstrate compliance with testing requirements and quality standards.
  • Potency Regulations
  1. Maintain the federal standard of 0.3% Delta-9 THC for hemp-derived products to align with national guidelines and industry practices.
  2. Encourage research and development of new hemp-derived products, including those with varying cannabinoid ratios, to promote innovation and consumer choice.
  • Enforcement and Penalties
  1. Establish a fair and consistent enforcement system that focuses on education and compliance assistance for businesses, rather than solely relying on punitive measures.
  2. Implement a tiered penalty system based on the severity of violations, with a focus on corrective actions and improvement plans.
  • Public Education and Outreach
  1. Develop a public education campaign to inform consumers about the benefits, risks, and proper use of hemp-derived products.
  2. Collaborate with industry stakeholders, including businesses, non-profits, and educational institutions, to disseminate accurate and unbiased information about the hemp industry.
  • Conclusion

This alternative policy proposal aims to create a fair and balanced regulatory environment for Florida’s hemp industry, which can foster growth, innovation, and public trust. By implementing these recommendations, Florida can continue to lead in the hemp sector while ensuring the well-being of its citizens and supporting the growth of small businesses and new entrepreneurs.

Sign this petition