FL H1217

Creates section 1004.4473, Florida Statutes, establishing industrial hemp research programs at state land grant universities with colleges of agriculture, subject to board of trustees approval.

Defines industrial hemp as Cannabis sativa L. with delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration not exceeding 0.3 percent on a dry-weight basis, consistent with the federal Agricultural Act of 2014.

Requires universities to adopt rules establishing minimum security standards, facility access controls, seed certification requirements under DEA regulations, testing processes, and coordination with law enforcement.

Limits industrial hemp commercialization projects to commence only after a 2-year research program has been in place and university research establishes the crop poses no risk as an invasive species or to agriculture.

Mandates all program costs be funded through federal grants or private resources, with universities submitting a 4-year status report to the Governor and Legislature on research findings and identification of rural commercialization opportunities.