Florida’s Hemp Industry Under Siege: What You Need To Know About SB 1698
Quick Answer: Florida's SB 1698 was vetoed by Governor DeSantis in June 2024, preserving the state's $10+ billion hemp industry (per Whitney Economics). In 2025, new bills including SB 438 and SB 1030 failed due to irreconcilable House-Senate differences over Delta 8 bans versus taxation. As of November 2025, Delta 8 remains legal at the state level but faces stricter FDACS enforcement and increasing local restrictions, creating a complex patchwork of regulations.
Florida's hemp industry stands at a critical juncture in November 2025, having narrowly survived multiple legislative attempts to impose crippling restrictions on Delta 8 THC, hemp-derived beverages, and retail operations. What began with SB 1698's dramatic veto in 2024 has evolved into an ongoing battle between lawmakers seeking strict regulation and an industry that generates over $10 billion annually for the Sunshine State. This comprehensive update reveals the current legal landscape, economic stakes, and what consumers and businesses need to know as regulatory uncertainty continues.
Key Article Takeaways:
- Florida's hemp industry contributes $10+ billion annually with 104,000+ jobs per Whitney Economics 2024 analysis
- SB 1698 was vetoed in June 2024; similar bills failed in 2025 due to House-Senate disagreements
- Delta 8 THC remains legal at state level but faces local bans and stricter FDACS enforcement
- THC-infused beverages ("diet weed") became $500 million market and key regulatory target
- Federal Farm Bill updates could reshape state regulations in 2026
- Sign the national petition to protect hemp access nationwide
What Happened to SB 1698: The Veto That Saved an Industry
On June 8, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis delivered a decisive blow to SB 1698, vetoing the controversial hemp regulation bill that had passed both chambers of the Florida Legislature. In his transmittal letter, DeSantis stated the bill would "impose debilitating regulatory burdens on small businesses and almost certainly fail to achieve its purposes."
The veto came after intense lobbying from the hemp industry, which mobilized thousands of business owners, employees, and consumers to contact the Governor's office. Hemp From Florida thanked DeSantis "for saving thousands of Florida jobs by standing with our state's regulated hemp industry, farmers, and small businesses." The Florida Healthy Alternatives Association's President JD McCormick noted that DeSantis "saw this bill for what it was – a way to sweep the hemp industry out of business in the state of Florida."
DeSantis's veto message specifically urged lawmakers to develop a regulatory framework grounded in "sensible, non-arbitrary regulation" that would provide "much-needed stability" to the marketplace. This directive set the stage for the 2025 legislative battles that would follow.
Alternative Cannabinoids: Understanding Delta 8 THC and CBD in 2025
Delta 8 THC (delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol) continues to occupy a unique position in Florida's cannabinoid landscape. This compound naturally occurs in small quantities in hemp plants and produces milder psychoactive effects compared to traditional Delta 9 THC. According to research published in Addiction Journal, Delta 8 binds to cannabinoid receptors with approximately 66% of Delta 9's affinity, resulting in what users describe as a clearer, more functional high.
CBD (cannabidiol) remains the most established non-intoxicating cannabinoid, with extensive research supporting its anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective properties. The compound has maintained strong consumer trust and regulatory acceptance, even as other cannabinoids face scrutiny.
Products like Mellow Fellow's Live Resin collection combine these cannabinoids with natural terpenes, creating entourage effects that many consumers prefer over isolated compounds. The sophistication of these formulations reflects how far the industry has evolved since hemp legalization in 2019.
Current Legal Status: A Complex Patchwork of State and Local Rules
As of November 2025, Delta 8 THC and other hemp cannabinoids remain legal at the Florida state level, but the regulatory landscape has become increasingly fragmented and restrictive. While no comprehensive state ban exists, the industry operates under a complex web of state requirements and local ordinances that create confusion for consumers and compliance challenges for businesses.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has significantly tightened enforcement in 2025, even without new legislation. Current requirements include:
- Stricter Product Testing: All hemp products must undergo comprehensive third-party lab testing at FDACS-approved facilities
- QR-Coded COAs: Mandatory QR codes on all packaging linking to batch-specific Certificates of Analysis
- Child-Resistant Packaging: All products must use packaging that meets federal poison prevention standards
- Marketing Restrictions: Prohibition on imagery or language that could appeal to minors, including cartoon characters or candy-like presentations
- Age Verification: Mandatory ID checks for all purchases, with most retailers setting 21+ policies
FDACS has escalated enforcement actions throughout 2025, conducting product seizures, issuing compliance warnings, and fining retailers for mislabeled, over-strength, or improperly packaged products. According to industry analysis from June 2025, these enforcement actions have increased 300% compared to 2024.
At the local level, numerous Florida cities and counties have implemented their own restrictions on Delta 8 and hemp products. Miami-Dade County limits sales to specialty shops, Sarasota bans sales near schools and parks, and several Panhandle counties prohibit Delta 8 entirely. This patchwork creates significant challenges for multi-location retailers and confuses consumers about where products can legally be purchased.
The Florida Statute 581.217 provides the foundation, but practical compliance now requires monitoring both state rules and local ordinances that change frequently.
Industry Concerns That Sparked Legislative Action
The push for hemp regulation stems from legitimate concerns that emerged as the market rapidly expanded after 2019 legalization. Key issues driving legislative efforts include:
- Product contamination: Testing revealed some products containing heavy metals, pesticides, or residual solvents
- Mislabeling: Products with inaccurate cannabinoid content or exceeding legal THC limits
- Youth access: Marketing and packaging that could appeal to minors
- Potency concerns: Emergence of ultra-potent synthetic cannabinoids like THCp and THC-O
Responsible operators share many of these concerns. Companies maintaining high standards, including third-party testing and transparent labeling, support sensible regulations that protect consumers without destroying legitimate businesses. The challenge lies in crafting rules that address bad actors without punishing the entire industry.
The Original SB 1698: What It Would Have Done
Initially filed on January 5, 2024, by Sen. Colleen Burton (R-Lakeland), SB 1698 proposed sweeping changes to Florida's hemp industry. The bill's provisions would have fundamentally reshaped the market:
Banned Alternative Cannabinoids: The legislation specifically targeted Delta 8, Delta 10, HHC, THCa, THCp, THCv, and even full-spectrum CBD products, effectively eliminating most hemp-derived products from the market.
Severe THC Limits: Products could not exceed 5mg per serving and 50mg per container on a wet-weight basis or 0.3% total Delta 9 THC concentration, whichever was less — restrictions that would have made most current products illegal.
Event Regulations: Organizers of events where hemp products were sold would need to provide lists of vendors and verify compliance, adding bureaucratic burdens to farmers markets, festivals, and trade shows.
Testing Requirements: All products would require testing at certified medical marijuana laboratories rather than independent labs, significantly increasing costs and limiting testing capacity.
Economic Impact: What Was at Stake
The economic implications of SB 1698 would have been catastrophic for Florida's hemp industry. According to a comprehensive economic analysis by Whitney Economics published in March 2024, the hemp-derived cannabinoid industry contributes over $10 billion annually to Florida's economy — making it one of the state's fastest-growing agricultural sectors.
Whitney Economics, the leading cannabis and hemp economic research firm, projected the following impacts if restrictive legislation passed:
- 5,100 licensed hemp businesses forced to close, with an additional 1,037 relocating to more favorable states
- Loss of $8.9 billion in taxable business revenue annually
- 104,964 workers displaced, representing $7.3 billion in lost wages according to Whitney's employment modeling
- Total economic loss of $11.4 billion when including multiplier effects on local economies
These figures, as reported in the Tampa Bay Times, represent industry estimates based on comprehensive market analysis rather than official state statistics. However, even conservative estimates from the Florida Department of Agriculture's 2025 data show 431 cultivation licenses issued and over 9,000 direct agricultural jobs created since 2019.
For context, Whitney Economics found that Florida's hemp sector has grown from virtually nothing in 2019 to become the state's most dynamic agricultural segment. The firm's analysis shows the industry's economic multiplier effect at 1.9, meaning every $10 spent on hemp products generates an additional $9 in local economic activity through wages, taxes, and supporting businesses.
Consumer Impact: How SB 1698 Would Have Affected You
For consumers, SB 1698's passage would have meant losing access to products many rely on for wellness and quality of life. The human cost extends beyond economics — individuals managing chronic pain, anxiety, sleep disorders, and other conditions would have lost legal access to products they've come to depend on.
Matthew Wetzel, a Clearwater Beach dispensary owner, exemplified these concerns. Beyond worrying about his business, he feared for his 12-year-old son who uses CBD for seizures. This personal dimension highlighted how the legislation would impact real families, not just business balance sheets.
As Rep. Hillary Cassiel (D-Hollywood) argued during house debates: "If we pass this bill, they are going to become criminals. They are going to depend on drug dealers so they can function normally. Is that what we really want?"
The restriction would have pushed consumers toward unregulated black market products, increasing risks of contamination, mislabeling, and dangerous additives — ironically worsening the very problems the bill claimed to address.
The 2025 Legislative Session: New Bills, Same Battles
Despite DeSantis's veto and clear message about protecting small businesses, the 2025 legislative session saw an unprecedented flurry of hemp regulation attempts. Four major bills emerged, each taking different approaches to restricting the industry:
SB 438 and HB 1597: The Main Legislative Push
Senate Bill 438, sponsored by Sen. Colleen Burton (R-Lakeland) for the third consecutive year, represented the most aggressive attempt to reshape Florida's hemp market. The bill advanced rapidly through committees, passing the Senate Agriculture Committee unanimously on March 18, the Fiscal Policy Committee 18-0 on March 27, and the full Senate with another unanimous vote on April 9, 2025.
Burton, who acknowledged receiving donations from Trulieve (Florida's largest medical marijuana company), argued that hemp products were "causing harm to Floridians" and "putting adults and children in the hospital." Her co-sponsor, Sen. Tracie Davis (D-Jacksonville), declared it was "time to regulate the hemp industry" with the same vigor applied to medical marijuana.
Key provisions of SB 438 included:
- Complete ban on Delta 8, Delta 10, HHC, THC-O, THCp, and THCv products
- THC limits of 5mg per serving and 50mg per container
- THC beverages restricted to 5mg per sealed container and only sold at alcohol-licensed retailers
- 500-foot buffer zones from schools, daycares, gas stations, and other hemp retailers
- Prohibition on advertising visible from public spaces
- Mandatory testing at certified medical marijuana laboratories instead of independent labs
House Bill 1597, sponsored by Rep. Dana Trabulsy (R-Fort Pierce), served as the companion bill but faced a different fate. Despite similar goals, it never received a committee hearing and ultimately died in the Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee on June 16, 2025.
HB 7027 and HB 7029: The House Alternative Approach
Recognizing the differences between chambers, House leadership created a Combined Workgroup on Hemp, led by Speaker Daniel Perez, to develop alternative legislation. This resulted in two committee bills that took a notably different approach from the Senate.
HB 7027, championed by Rep. Michelle Salzman (R-Pensacola), focused on regulatory policy without banning Delta 8. According to Florida Politics reporting, the bill would have:
- Set THC limits at 100mg for most packages (significantly higher than the Senate's 50mg)
- Defined "psychotropic cannabinoids" broadly but didn't outright ban them
- Prohibited sales at gas stations and convenience stores
- Required child-resistant packaging without cartoon mascots
HB 7029 focused exclusively on taxation, proposing a 15% excise tax on all hemp purchases — a provision absent from Senate proposals and concerning to small businesses already operating on thin margins.
On April 30, 2025, Rep. Salzman announced she was "shifting gears" and would not pursue the legislation further. She cited "stylistic differences" between the House and Senate that couldn't be reconciled before session's end.
SB 1030 and HB 601: The Strictest Proposals Yet
In February 2025, even stricter bills emerged from unexpected quarters. Senate Bill 1030, filed by Sen. Tracie Davis (D-Jacksonville) — who had co-sponsored Burton's SB 438 — proposed the most restrictive framework yet:
- Delta 9 THC limited to just 2mg per serving and 20mg per container (compared to 5mg/50mg in other bills)
- Complete ban on ALL Delta 8 products
- Prohibition on smokable hemp products with license revocation for third violation
- Ban on hemp sales at gas stations
- 500-foot buffer from schools and daycares
- Complete advertising ban visible from any public space
House Bill 601, filed by Rep. Hilary Cassel (R-Hollywood), took a slightly different approach, allowing the federal 0.3% Delta 9 limit but restricting products to 25mg per serving or 500mg per container. The bill also permitted vapor products with up to 3ml of THC.
According to cannabis law experts, both bills faced "uphill battles" in their respective chambers, with SB 1030 needing bipartisan support in the Republican-controlled Senate despite being filed by a Democrat.
The Legislative Process: A Study in Political Theater
The 2025 session revealed deep divisions not just between hemp advocates and prohibitionists, but within the legislature itself. The House Housing, Agriculture and Tourism Subcommittee hearing on April 2 showcased these tensions.
Charlie Bailes, Executive Vice President at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits (which sells hemp THC beverages), testified that hemp products "should be treated similarly" to alcohol regulation, supporting the restrictive approach. Meanwhile, small business owners argued the bills would destroy their livelihoods.
The Senate's unanimous votes contrasted sharply with the House's reluctance. As Kight on Cannabis noted, many viewed SB 438 as "an attempt to allow the monopolization of the hemp industry, similarly to Florida's limited 'medical marijuana' program."
THC Beverages: The Unexpected Battleground
One of 2025's biggest surprises was how THC-infused beverages became the session's flashpoint. These products, barely on the radar in 2024, had exploded into a half-billion-dollar market segment by 2025.
The beverage debate revealed competing interests. Delta Beverages founder Jack Sherrie, whose products are distributed by Anheuser-Busch wholesalers, supported Burton's restrictions, saying "responsible operators are left to navigate this wild west environment."
Conversely, Michael Smith of Herban Flow warned that limiting sales to alcohol-licensed establishments would hand the market to "big alcohol" while shutting out specialty retailers, cafes, and wellness shops that had built the category.
The Collapse: Why Nothing Passed — Irreconcilable Differences
By late April 2025, despite multiple bills and committee victories, it became clear the legislature would fail to pass hemp regulations for the second consecutive year. The fundamental disagreements between chambers proved insurmountable:
Key Differences That Killed Compromise:
- Delta 8 Ban vs. Taxation: The Senate insisted on completely banning Delta 8, Delta 10, and all synthetic cannabinoids, while the House preferred keeping them legal but heavily taxed (15% excise tax)
- THC Limits: Senate wanted 5mg/50mg limits; House proposed 100mg total package limits — a 100% difference
- Beverage Sales: Senate required alcohol licenses for THC beverage sales; House allowed broader retail access with restrictions
- Testing Requirements: Senate mandated expensive medical marijuana lab testing; House accepted independent third-party labs
- Retail Locations: Senate's 500-foot buffer zones would eliminate most existing stores; House focused on point-of-sale restrictions
The April 9 Senate floor debate revealed the fundamental problem. Sen. Davis, despite co-sponsoring SB 438, admitted: "This was a bill that was vetoed. There's not that much that's different from last year's bill that was vetoed." This acknowledgment highlighted the legislature's failure to address DeSantis's specific concerns about small business impacts.
Rep. Salzman's April 30 announcement that she was "shifting gears" effectively ended negotiations. As she told Florida Politics, "stylistic differences" between chambers couldn't be bridged in the remaining session days.
Jonathan Miller, general counsel for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, told Florida Phoenix that while the House bill was "better for the industry than the Senate's version," ultimately "nothing passing was better than bad legislation passing." This sentiment reflected the industry's strategy: maintain the status quo rather than accept destructive compromise.
The session officially ended on May 2, 2025, without any hemp legislation reaching the Governor's desk — marking the second consecutive year the industry survived legislative attempts at severe restrictions.
"Diet Weed" and THC Beverages: The New Regulatory Focus
Throughout 2025, state regulators and lawmakers have increasingly focused on what critics call "diet weed" — hemp-derived products marketed as lighter alternatives to traditional cannabis. THC-infused beverages, in particular, have become a lightning rod for regulatory attention.
These beverages, which exploded from virtually nothing to a $500 million market segment between 2024 and 2025, attracted scrutiny from multiple stakeholders. Alcohol industry lobbyists argued the products competed unfairly without similar taxation or sales restrictions. Public health advocates worried about appealing packaging and accessibility to minors. Law enforcement complained about impairment detection challenges.
FDACS responded with enhanced packaging and labeling requirements specifically targeting beverages, including:
- Mandatory warnings about impairment and driving
- Prohibition on packaging resembling popular non-alcoholic beverages
- Required child-resistant caps on all containers
- Clear THC content labeling in milligrams per serving and container
- Point-of-sale restrictions requiring products behind counters or in locked displays
The beverage sector's rapid growth and mainstream distribution through Anheuser-Busch wholesalers legitimized the category while simultaneously making it a target. As one industry insider noted, "When you're in every convenience store next to Red Bull, regulators take notice."
Federal Developments: The Farm Bill and Beyond
While Florida's legislature remains gridlocked, federal policy developments could dramatically reshape the hemp landscape in 2026 and beyond. Congress continues debating updates to the Farm Bill, with several proposals that would significantly impact state regulation:
The Hemp Advancement Act of 2025, currently in committee, would establish federal standards for hemp-derived cannabinoids, potentially preempting state bans while implementing uniform testing and labeling requirements. This could provide the regulatory clarity the industry seeks while addressing safety concerns.
The Miller Amendment, backed by the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, would explicitly protect Delta 8 and other naturally occurring cannabinoids while banning synthetic compounds like THC-O and HHC-P. This middle-ground approach has gained bipartisan support but faces opposition from both prohibitionists and libertarians.
The DEA's ongoing review of hemp-derived cannabinoid scheduling could also reshape the landscape. Their preliminary guidance suggesting Delta 8 THC might be considered a controlled substance has created uncertainty, though enforcement remains on hold pending final rulemaking.
These federal developments explain why Florida lawmakers may be hesitant to pass comprehensive state legislation — any law could be superseded by federal action within months.
Industry Wins Another Reprieve in May 2025
In a repeat of 2024, Florida's hemp industry secured another victory in May 2025 when the legislative session ended without passing hemp restrictions. The failure stemmed from irreconcilable differences between House and Senate approaches.
Carlos Hermida, who owns two hemp shops in Tampa Bay, expressed relief: "I was honestly afraid that we would have to close down. Of course it will be good for my bottom line. I can still sell drinks, I can still sell the products that my customers need, and I can still advertise."
Jonathan Miller, general counsel for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, noted that while the House bill was "better for the industry than the Senate's version," ultimately "nothing passing was better than bad legislation passing."
Industry Organization and Political Strategy
The hemp industry's ability to defeat restrictive legislation two years running wasn't accidental — it reflected sophisticated political organizing and strategic coalition building. Following the 2024 veto, industry leaders recognized they needed more than just defensive lobbying.
The Florida Healthy Alternatives Association (FHAA), led by President JD McCormick, mobilized thousands of businesses and consumers throughout the 2025 session. They organized letter-writing campaigns, coordinated testimony at committee hearings, and maintained constant pressure on lawmakers through constituent outreach.
Significantly, after DeSantis vetoed SB 1698, several hemp entrepreneurs contributed financially to oppose Amendment 3, the recreational cannabis ballot measure that DeSantis also opposed. This strategic alliance demonstrated the industry's political sophistication — supporting the Governor's priority in exchange for continued protection of their market.
The industry also invested heavily in education, bringing lawmakers to facilities, providing lab results, and demonstrating quality control measures. This transparency helped counter narratives about "unregulated" products and showed that responsible operators welcomed sensible oversight.
Trade associations coordinated messaging emphasizing economic impacts. The consistent citation of 104,000 jobs and $10 billion in economic activity became a powerful talking point that resonated with pro-business Republicans who might otherwise support restrictions.
The Vape Shop Connection: Retail Implications
The ongoing regulatory uncertainty has significant implications for Florida's retail landscape, particularly vape shops that have become primary distributors of hemp products. Many entrepreneurs starting vape shops in 2025 are specifically focusing on hemp-derived products as a core revenue stream, given their higher margins and growing consumer demand.
These retailers face unique challenges navigating the evolving regulations while building sustainable businesses. The proposed 500-foot buffer zones from schools and restrictions on advertising would have eliminated many existing locations and prevented new stores from opening in prime retail areas.
Behind Florida’s thriving hemp retail market are wholesale partners that make responsible sourcing possible. Alpha Brands helps independent retailers navigate compliance challenges by providing verified, lab-tested products across the hemp, vape, and kratom categories.
Take Action: Join the Fight to Protect Hemp Access
While the immediate legislative threat has passed, the fight to protect Florida's hemp industry continues. The most effective way to make your voice heard is through coordinated advocacy efforts that demonstrate the industry's economic importance and consumer support.
Sign the National Hemp Protection Petition: Join thousands of Americans supporting hemp access by signing the petition at MyHealthyUSA.org. This national initiative advocates for sensible hemp regulations that protect consumer choice while ensuring product safety. The petition directly reaches lawmakers and demonstrates the breadth of support for maintaining legal access to hemp products.
Why signing matters:
- Creates a documented record of consumer support lawmakers can't ignore
- Provides economic data showing hemp's importance to local communities
- Connects you with updates on legislative threats and advocacy opportunities
- Builds the coalition needed to fight future restrictive proposals
Additional Actions You Can Take:
Contact Your Representatives: Build relationships with your state senator and representative before the 2026 session begins. Share how hemp products have improved your quality of life and why access matters. Personal stories from constituents carry more weight than industry lobbying.
Support the Florida Healthy Alternatives Association: The FHAA leads state-level advocacy efforts. Consider membership or donations to support their crucial work protecting the industry.
Choose Responsible Retailers: Support businesses like Mellow Fellow that maintain high testing standards and transparent labeling. Your purchasing decisions shape industry standards and reputation.
Stay Informed: Monitor legislative developments through MyHealthyUSA.org and FHAA alerts. Being prepared for rapid response when bills are filed makes the difference between victory and defeat.
Share Your Story: Document how hemp products have helped you and be ready to share during public comment periods. Lawmakers need to hear from real constituents, not just lobbyists.
Ready to make a difference? Visit MyHealthyUSA.org now to sign the petition and join the movement protecting hemp access nationwide. Your signature today helps ensure these products remain available tomorrow.
Looking Forward: The Future of Florida Hemp
As we move through November 2025, Florida's hemp industry exists in a state of productive tension. The repeated failure of restrictive legislation demonstrates both the industry's political strength and lawmakers' ongoing concerns about regulation.
Several factors will shape the industry's future:
Federal Developments: Congress continues debating Farm Bill revisions that could provide clearer federal frameworks for hemp-derived cannabinoids, potentially preempting state restrictions.
Market Maturation: As the industry professionalizes, with better self-regulation and quality standards, legitimate operators may find common ground with reasonable lawmakers.
Consumer Education: Growing awareness about cannabinoid differences, proper dosing, and quality indicators empowers consumers to make informed choices, reducing risks that drive regulatory concerns.
Economic Reality: With over $10 billion in annual economic impact and 100,000+ jobs, the industry has become too significant to eliminate without severe economic consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Hemp Laws
Is Delta 8 THC still legal in Florida as of November 2025?
Yes, Delta 8 THC remains legal in Florida at the state level, though some local jurisdictions have restrictions. All products must comply with FDACS testing and labeling requirements, including COAs and proper packaging.
What happened to SB 1698 after it passed the legislature?
Governor DeSantis vetoed SB 1698 on June 8, 2024, citing concerns about imposing "debilitating regulatory burdens" on small businesses and disrupting Florida's economy.
Can I still buy THC beverages in Florida?
Yes, THC-infused beverages remain legal and are sold at convenience stores, specialty retailers, and online. Current products range from 5mg to 20mg+ THC per serving.
What cannabinoids were targeted in the 2025 bills?
The 2025 bills primarily targeted Delta 8, Delta 10, HHC, THC-O, THCp, and THCv for prohibition, while imposing strict limits on Delta 9 THC products.
How many jobs does Florida's hemp industry support?
The hemp industry supports over 104,000 jobs in Florida across cultivation, manufacturing, retail, and ancillary services, contributing $7.3 billion in wages annually.
Will there be more attempts to restrict hemp in 2026?
Legislative sources indicate hemp regulation will likely return in the 2026 session, though the specific approach remains uncertain following two years of failed bills.
Where can I find updates on hemp legislation?
The Florida Healthy Alternatives Association (FHAA) provides regular updates, or monitor the Florida Senate and House websites for filed bills during legislative sessions.
Conclusion: An Industry Under Siege But Standing Strong
Florida's hemp industry has proven remarkably resilient, surviving multiple legislative assaults that would have destroyed thousands of businesses and eliminated consumer access to beneficial products. The journey from SB 1698's veto in 2024 through the failed bills of 2025 demonstrates both the industry's economic importance — over $10 billion annually according to Whitney Economics — and its growing political sophistication.
Yet the battle is far from over. With ongoing FDACS enforcement actions, local government restrictions creating a confusing patchwork of regulations, and lawmakers promising to return with new proposals in 2026, the industry remains under constant threat. Federal developments including Farm Bill revisions and DEA guidance add another layer of uncertainty.
The stakes remain enormous: 104,000+ jobs (per Whitney Economics 2024 data), billions in economic activity, and access to products that improve quality of life for hundreds of thousands of Floridians. These aren't just statistics — they represent real families, real businesses, and real communities that depend on a thriving hemp industry.
Whether you're a consumer seeking quality Delta 8 products, a business owner navigating regulations, or simply someone who believes in economic freedom and consumer choice, your voice matters in shaping Florida's hemp future.
The time to act is now. Don't wait for the next legislative session to threaten access. Visit MyHealthyUSA.org today to sign the national hemp protection petition and join thousands fighting to preserve hemp access. Together, we can ensure that sensible regulation prevails over prohibition, that small businesses thrive alongside consumer safety, and that Florida's hemp industry continues contributing to our state's economic success.
Stay informed, stay engaged, and most importantly, stay active in protecting your right to choose safe, legal hemp products. The industry has won two battles, but the war for hemp freedom continues.
Sources Used for This Article
- Gov. DeSantis kills hemp bill, keeps Delta 8 legal - Florida Politics, June 2024
- Senate Bill 1698 (2024) Official Text - The Florida Senate
- Florida Senate Passes Bill To Restrict Hemp Products - Marijuana Moment, April 2025
- Florida hemp industry wins another reprieve - Florida Phoenix, May 2025
- How Florida is hurting the burgeoning hemp industry - Tampa Bay Times, March 2024
- Florida Hemp Industry Economic Data - Hemp CBD Business Plans, November 2025
- Cannabidiol Research and Clinical Applications - NIH, 2023
- Is Delta 8 Legal In Florida? - Elevate Right, June 2025
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