This bill amends Florida statutes concerning the regulation of hemp and hemp extract products, particularly focusing on marijuana testing laboratories and the sale of hemp products. It establishes that these laboratories can only obtain hemp and hemp extract from licensed businesses and prohibits them from selling or distributing these products. The bill mandates the separation of marijuana and hemp products within laboratories and requires that each final batch of hemp extract undergo testing in a certified laboratory before it can be sold. Additionally, it introduces stricter regulations on the sale of hemp extract, including a ban on products appealing to children and restrictions on sales near schools and daycares.

The legislation also revises definitions and legislative findings related to hemp, sets new labeling and packaging requirements, and imposes penalties for violations. It prohibits unpermitted sales and requires event organizers to ensure compliance with regulations regarding hemp product sales at events. The bill includes provisions for administrative fines and mandates businesses to maintain testing and supplier records for a minimum of three years. Furthermore, it allocates $2 million from the General Revenue Fund for necessary testing equipment and clarifies that licensees who negligently violate the new rules will not face criminal or civil enforcement actions beyond specified violations. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and includes a reenactment of definitions related to food, explicitly including hemp extract.

Statutes affected:
S 438 Filed: 381.988
S 438 c1: 381.988