As Florida’s legislative session wrapped up this week, once again, lawmakers failed to address the pressing need for regulation in the hemp industry. While there is broad consensus that the state’s hemp-derived THC products need clearer guidelines, no concrete action was taken before the session unofficially ended on Friday.
In fact, the issue of hemp regulation has been an ongoing struggle in Florida. Just last year, members of the state’s hemp industry were lobbying against a bill they believed would devastate their businesses. In June 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed the bill, much to the relief of those in the hemp sector. The veto was seen as a victory, but the problem of regulating hemp products persists— and once again, lawmakers failed to pass any meaningful legislation this session.
The Sticking Points in the Senate and House Versions
One of the main reasons for the lack of progress this session was the significant differences between the Senate and House bills. Senate Bill 438 (SB 438), sponsored by Republican Colleen Burton of Polk County, and House Bill 7027 (HB 7027), sponsored by Panhandle Republican Michelle Salzman, had distinct approaches to regulating hemp products. These disparities led to a deadlock, with no resolution in sight as the legislative session came to an end.
In its current form, SB 438 aimed at creating stricter rules on the levels of THC allowed in hemp-derived products. It also called for the creation of a dedicated office to oversee the regulation of hemp products. On the other hand, HB 7027 offered a more lenient approach, proposing a system that would allow for more flexibility for businesses involved in the hemp industry.
Such differences are not new in Florida’s hemp debates. The state has struggled for years to establish regulations that balance the interests of public safety with the economic goals of its growing hemp industry. With no agreement reached, it appears that hemp regulations will continue to be a matter of contention in the coming legislative sessions.
What’s Next for Florida’s Hemp Industry?
Industry leaders are frustrated, but they aren’t giving up. The lack of regulations has left many businesses in a state of limbo, unsure of the rules they need to follow, which has created confusion and inconsistency across the market. Farmers and businesses involved in hemp production and sales are calling for clear, standardized guidelines to ensure safety and fairness in the industry.
Some lawmakers, including Senator Burton, have acknowledged the growing challenges facing the industry and vowed to continue working toward a solution. “There are legal gaps we need to address in the future,” she said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure these products are safe and protect consumers, while still allowing Florida farmers to thrive.”
For now, however, it’s unclear when or how those gaps will be filled. Florida’s hemp industry will have to wait a little longer for clarity, hoping that future legislative sessions will provide a path forward.
A Fragile Industry in Need of Stability
As Florida’s hemp industry faces this regulatory uncertainty, businesses and farmers are left with the ongoing question of how to navigate the current environment. Without clear laws or regulations in place, the hemp sector in Florida remains in a precarious position, subject to ambiguity and potential legal risks.
The fact that Florida lawmakers have now twice failed to regulate this industry is concerning. As demand for hemp products continues to rise, the need for regulation becomes more pressing. Without action, Florida risks leaving its hemp businesses at the mercy of patchwork local regulations, rather than offering the clarity and stability they need to thrive.
Though the state’s lawmakers have missed the chance to regulate hemp this year, many in the industry remain hopeful that next year will bring the change they need. For now, though, uncertainty reigns, and Florida’s hemp industry will have to wait to see what the future holds.
