Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers

On July 6, 2016, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance No. 16-67, codified as Article IXA of the Zoning Code, which established zoning regulations for the dispensing of low-THC and medical marijuana/cannabis in accordance with laws enacted by the Florida Legislature in 2014 and 2016. In November 2016, the Florida electorate approved Constitutional Amendment No. 2, expanding the availability of medical marijuana to individuals with specific debilitating diseases or comparable debilitating conditions. To implement Constitutional Amendment No. 2, the 2017 Florida Legislature comprehensively overhauled Section 381.986 (Medical Use of Marijuana) of the Florida Statutes through Senate Bill 8-A, which the Governor signed into law on June 23, 2017.

Senate Bill 8-A, among other things, instituted additional regulations and expanded current preemptions of local zoning authority over the cultivation, processing, and dispensing of medical marijuana/cannabis. The new state law, which went into effect on July 1, 2017, affects some of the regulations set forth in Article IXA of Chapter 33 of the Zoning Code. Accordingly, RER issued a memorandum to provide guidance and ensure that Article IXA is enforced in a manner that is consistent with state law. Please review the memorandum for detailed information regarding the zoning approval process.

Additional Information

Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers are the only entities authorized by the State of Florida to establish and operate a dispensing facility for medical marijuana. Only qualified patients who have a doctor’s order from a State-authorized physician may purchase medical cannabis. For more information on the state regulations related to patient eligibility, physician authorization, and medical marijuana treatment centers, please visit the State of Florida Department of Health Office of Marijuana Use.