HB 1203 - Cannabis Summary

• Creates Section 893.131 establishing possession of 20 grams or less of cannabis (with no more than 5 grams of concentrates) as a civil violation rather than criminal offense.

• Adults 18+ face civil penalty of up to $100 or can request up to 15 hours of community service; minors must complete up to 15 hours of community service, attend a drug awareness program, or both, with no arrests except for failure to provide identification.

• Prohibits state and local penalties beyond those specified; violations cannot affect driving privileges, student financial aid, public housing, or disqualify someone from serving as foster or adoptive parent.

• Prohibits using violations as probation or parole violations; records cannot be entered in criminal offender databases; political subdivisions may enact ordinances on public cannabis consumption with penalties no greater than those for public alcohol consumption.

• Civil penalties collected are split 50/50 between the municipality/county where violation occurred and county drug abuse trust funds; effective July 1, 2018.