Florida Lawmakers Propose Bills to Cut Medical Marijuana Fees for Veterans and Restrict Public Smoking

Florida Lawmakers Propose Bills to Cut Medical Marijuana Fees for Veterans and Restrict Public Smoking

Florida legislators have filed new proposals for the 2026 session aimed at reducing medical cannabis registration fees for military veterans and prohibiting the public consumption of marijuana, including smoking and vaping. The bills reflect a continued effort by state lawmakers to expand and clarify the scope of the state’s medical cannabis program while addressing public safety concerns.

Senate Proposal Would Slash Medical Marijuana Patient Fees for Veterans to Just $15

Sen. Keith Truenow (R) introduced a bill that would allow military veterans to pay only a $15 state fee to receive, renew, or replace a medical marijuana patient ID card. This represents a significant reduction from the current $75 fee.

To qualify for the proposed fee reductions, veterans would be required to verify their status by presenting a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214), a Department of Veterans Affairs identification card, or a Florida driver license bearing the veteran designation. A companion measure has also been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Susan Valdes (R), signaling parallel consideration across both legislative chambers.

Separate Measure Seeks to Ban Smoking or Vaping Cannabis in Public Places Across Florida

Sen. Joe Gruters (R) has filed legislation to ban public smoking or vaping of marijuana. The bill defines a public place broadly, including streets, sidewalks, highways, parks, beaches, schools, hospitals, government buildings, apartment complexes, office buildings, restaurants, transportation hubs, and retail shops.

The measure also specifies that cannabis cannot be smoked or vaped in airport customs smoking rooms. Rep. Alex Andrade (R) introduced a similar bill last month, reflecting growing attention on public cannabis consumption regulations.

Proposed Legislation Part of Broader Efforts to Expand Florida’s Medical Marijuana Program

The new bills join several other cannabis-related proposals for the 2026 legislative session. Rep. Bill Partington (R) introduced legislation that would allow doctors to recommend medical cannabis to patients with conditions treated by opioids, extend registration periods to up to two years, and waive registration fees for honorably discharged veterans.

The bill would also permit initial telehealth certifications, expand supply limits, and create reciprocity provisions for out-of-state medical cannabis patients. These proposals aim to make Florida’s medical marijuana program more accessible and flexible for patients.

Democrats Advance Home Cultivation Proposal for Medical Cannabis Patients

Alongside proposals to reduce patient fees and restrict public cannabis use, a Florida Democratic lawmaker has introduced legislation that would permit limited home cultivation for registered medical marijuana patients. Under the proposal, eligible patients aged 21 and older would be allowed to grow up to six flowering cannabis plants for personal therapeutic use, with seeds or clones obtained exclusively from state-licensed dispensaries.

From a regulatory perspective, the measure signals increasing legislative openness to expanded patient autonomy within Florida’s medical cannabis framework. However, it also introduces potential compliance and enforcement challenges, including home grow oversight, diversion risk, and consistency with existing cultivation and tracking rules. As discussions continue, the proposal may influence broader debates around patient access, program integrity, and the evolving balance between regulation and flexibility in Florida’s medical cannabis market.

Legal and Political Challenges Surround Ongoing Cannabis Reform Efforts in Florida

The legislative efforts coincide with ongoing legal and political developments. Florida’s attorney general has requested that the state Supreme Court review the constitutionality of a marijuana legalization initiative that industry-backed campaigns aim to place on the 2026 ballot.

A similar measure failed to reach the 60 percent threshold in the 2024 election despite majority voter support and an endorsement from President Donald Trump. The revised initiative, filed by Smart & Safe Florida, now explicitly bans public smoking and vaping and outlines legislative oversight of consumption rules.

Polls Show Strong Bipartisan Support for Marijuana Reform in Florida

Despite legal uncertainty, polling indicates broad voter backing for cannabis reform. A February survey found 67 percent of Florida voters support legalization, including 82 percent of Democrats, 66 percent of independents, and 55 percent of Republicans.

While the state Supreme Court’s review introduces uncertainty, lawmakers continue to pursue measures aimed at expanding patient access, supporting veterans, and regulating public consumption responsibly.

Conclusion: Florida Signals a Measured Shift in Medical Cannabis Policy

Florida’s proposed changes—lowering medical marijuana fees for military veterans, tightening rules around public cannabis consumption, and expanding access within the medical framework—reflect a deliberate effort by lawmakers to balance patient affordability with public safety and regulatory oversight. As the 2026 legislative session approaches, these measures could meaningfully reshape Florida’s medical cannabis market while also informing broader policy debates around legalization, enforcement, and responsible use.