Florida lawmakers fail to pass hemp regulations, industry in limbo
Florida lawmakers wrapped up the 2025 legislative session without reaching an agreement on how to regulate the state’s booming hemp industry, leaving business owners and consumers in a state of uncertainty.Despite months of debate and two competing proposals, the House and Senate failed to reconcile their differences, effectively punting any decision on hemp regulations to a future session.For now, that means no new restrictions on hemp-based products — including beverages, edibles, and smokables — and no changes to how the industry is taxed or monitored.“I just don’t feel like it’s something anyone should be trying to regulate,” said Fort Myers resident Melinda Daniel. “It’s not harming anybody. Alcoholism is far more dangerous than things of that nature.”One bill would have regulated hemp-infused drinks in the same way as beer, wine, and liquor, restricting sales to stores with liquor licenses. A competing proposal from the House included a 15% tax hike on all hemp products, including baked goods and edibles.Industry leaders warned the tax could have devastated small businesses across the state.“What would that have done? Closed business. It would just close businesses across the board,” said Cole Peacock, the founder of Caloosahatchee Cannabis Company. “The state right now has got to get their arms around this industry — it’s an economic driver, a job supporter, and something people come to the state for.”Cannabis attorney and consultant Paula Savchenko says the failure to pass regulation reflects deeper tensions in the marketplace.“There is this fight between the marijuana industry and the hemp industry,” she said. “The marijuana industry sees the hemp industry as a threat.”According to Savchenko, another powerful player has entered the conversation. “Big liquor is paying attention and wants stricter regulations,” she added.Some experts are also concerned about the political nature of the debate.“I think it’s just become a political thing,” said Dr. Heather Auld, a physician specializing in integrative medicine. “The issue is when you have non-medical people legislating medical uses — that’s a big problem for me.”While the legislative battle has ended for now, many in the industry believe the issue will return to the Capitol floor next year.“The fight is definitely not over,” Savchenko said.Last June, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill that would have enacted sweeping restrictions on hemp, a move that spared many businesses from potential shutdown. But with lawmakers unable to agree this year, the future of hemp regulation in Florida remains unresolved.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more.
Florida lawmakers wrapped up the 2025 legislative session without reaching an agreement on how to regulate the state’s booming hemp industry, leaving business owners and consumers in a state of uncertainty.
Despite months of debate and two competing proposals, the House and Senate failed to reconcile their differences, effectively punting any decision on hemp regulations to a future session.
For now, that means no new restrictions on hemp-based products — including beverages, edibles, and smokables — and no changes to how the industry is taxed or monitored.
“I just don’t feel like it’s something anyone should be trying to regulate,” said Fort Myers resident Melinda Daniel. “It’s not harming anybody. Alcoholism is far more dangerous than things of that nature.”
One bill would have regulated hemp-infused drinks in the same way as beer, wine, and liquor, restricting sales to stores with liquor licenses. A competing proposal from the House included a 15% tax hike on all hemp products, including baked goods and edibles.
Industry leaders warned the tax could have devastated small businesses across the state.
“What would that have done? Closed business. It would just close businesses across the board,” said Cole Peacock, the founder of Caloosahatchee Cannabis Company. “The state right now has got to get their arms around this industry — it’s an economic driver, a job supporter, and something people come to the state for.”
Cannabis attorney and consultant Paula Savchenko says the failure to pass regulation reflects deeper tensions in the marketplace.
“There is this fight between the marijuana industry and the hemp industry,” she said. “The marijuana industry sees the hemp industry as a threat.”
According to Savchenko, another powerful player has entered the conversation. “Big liquor is paying attention and wants stricter regulations,” she added.
Some experts are also concerned about the political nature of the debate.
“I think it’s just become a political thing,” said Dr. Heather Auld, a physician specializing in integrative medicine. “The issue is when you have non-medical people legislating medical uses — that’s a big problem for me.”
While the legislative battle has ended for now, many in the industry believe the issue will return to the Capitol floor next year.
“The fight is definitely not over,” Savchenko said.
Last June, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill that would have enacted sweeping restrictions on hemp, a move that spared many businesses from potential shutdown. But with lawmakers unable to agree this year, the future of hemp regulation in Florida remains unresolved.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more.
