HB 1117: Adult Use Marijuana Legalization

• Creates Chapter 566, Florida Statutes to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana for persons 21 and older, allowing possession of up to 2.5 ounces, cultivation of up to 6 plants, and personal use in nonpublic places.

• Establishes licensing system for marijuana establishments (cultivation facilities, testing facilities, product manufacturing facilities, and retail stores) administered by the Division of Alcoholic Beverages, Marijuana, and Tobacco, with limits on retail stores based on locality population and provisions for local control.

• Imposes excise tax on marijuana sales with 15% of revenues allocated to the Alcoholic Beverage, Marijuana, and Tobacco Trust Fund and 5% to the Department of Health for marijuana research grants until January 1, 2028.

• Prohibits marijuana sales to minors and intoxicated persons, restricts sales hours (1 a.m. to 6 a.m.), requires security measures, and establishes noncriminal penalties for minors using false identification with civil fines ranging from $200-$600.

• Makes conduct authorized under Chapter 566 exempt from controlled substance laws and prohibits its use as basis for finding lack of good moral character; bill takes effect contingent upon enactment of HB 1119 or similar legislation.