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 introduces new definitions and requirements for hemp extract sales, including restrictions on products appealing to children and limitations on sales locations. It also mandates strict testing and labeling requirements for hemp extract products, necessitating that each batch be tested by a certified laboratory before sale, and imposes penalties for violations, including fines and potential criminal charges for selling to individuals under 21.

Additionally, the bill outlines new regulations for the treatment and sale of hemp extract and THC-infused beverages, requiring the Department to create procedures for handling non-compliant products and mandating retail stores to recall such items. Certified marijuana testing laboratories are required to retain testing records for nine months. The bill also specifies regulations for THC-infused beverage sales, including prohibiting sales at unlicensed locations and restricting distribution to licensed distributors. It allocates $2 million in nonrecurring funds from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Law Enforcement for testing equipment and clarifies that licensees who negligently violate the regulations will not face further enforcement actions beyond specified violations. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

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