Florida House Unanimously Approves Bill to Provide Free Medical Cannabis Cards for Military Veterans

In a major development for veterans and medical cannabis patients alike, the Florida House of Representatives has unanimously passed a bill that would exempt military veterans from state fees for medical marijuana identification cards. The legislation, House Bill 555 (HB 555), was approved with a sweeping 110-0 vote on Friday, signaling bipartisan support for easing access to medical cannabis for those who have served.

Legislation Introduced by Rep. Alex Andrade Gains Unanimous Support After Committee Review

The bill, introduced by Rep. Alex Andrade (R), initially proposed sweeping reforms to Florida’s medical marijuana program, including provisions for home cultivation and reciprocity for out-of-state patients. However, after moving through committee earlier this month, the original language was replaced with a more focused, two-page substitute that narrowed the bill’s scope to two primary changes:

Reducing the frequency of medical Cannabis Cards Will Now Be Valid for Two Years Instead of One

One key reform in HB 555 is a significant improvement for all Florida medical marijuana patients: instead of needing to renew their identification cards every year, patients would now only need to renew once every two years.

This change addresses a common complaint among patients about the bureaucratic hassle and costs associated with maintaining access to legal medical cannabis. With fewer renewals, patients will have more stability and fewer administrative hurdles to jump through.

Florida to Waive Medical Cannabis Registration and Renewal Fees for All Qualified Veterans

The second—and arguably more impactful—provision of HB 555 is the elimination of fees for military veterans seeking a Florida medical marijuana card. Currently, patients must pay $75 for both initial registration and each annual renewal. Under the new law, veterans will be able to obtain, replace, or renew their medical marijuana cards for free.

The legislation explicitly states that the state “may not charge a fee for the issuance, replacement, or renewal of an identification card for a qualified patient who is a veteran.”

For veterans living on fixed incomes or dealing with service-related health issues, this could dramatically improve access to medical cannabis, which many use for conditions like PTSD, chronic pain, and anxiety.

Lawmakers Highlight the Importance of Supporting Veterans Through Easier Access to Medical Cannabis

During debate on the House floor, Rep. Daryl Campbell (D) commended Rep. Andrade for championing the bill, emphasizing the particular importance of affordable medical cannabis access for veterans.

Lawmakers across the aisle echoed similar sentiments, viewing the legislation as a straightforward yet meaningful way to support Florida’s veteran population.

Timeline for Implementation: Changes Would Take Effect on July 1 if HB 555 Becomes Law

If HB 555 is signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, the changes outlined in the bill would go into effect on July 1, 2025.

Patients and veterans could begin benefitting from the longer renewal periods and waived fees almost immediately thereafter, marking a major victory for patient rights advocates.

Senate Activity Highlights Broader Cannabis and Drug Policy Developments in Florida

The progress of HB 555 is just one part of a much larger conversation around cannabis and drug policy reform in Florida this year. While the House was approving free medical marijuana cards for veterans, the Senate was also advancing legislation related to hemp-derived THC products and psilocybin.

Earlier this month, the Senate passed a bill targeting hemp-derived THC products, such as THC-infused beverages. The legislation would:

Ban synthetic cannabinoids like delta-8 THC entirely.

Limit delta-9 THC content to no more than five milligrams per serving or 50 milligrams per container for hemp-derived products. These restrictions aim to tighten the legal gray areas that have allowed high-THC hemp products to proliferate across Florida without the same regulatory scrutiny as marijuana.

Senate Advances Agricultural Bill That Would Ban Psychedelic Mushroom Spores

In another notable move, the Florida Senate passed a wide-ranging agricultural bill containing provisions to outlaw fungal spores capable of producing mushrooms containing psilocybin or psilocin—the psychoactive compounds found in psychedelic mushrooms.

The Senate passed its bill just one day after a companion measure cleared a key committee in the House, suggesting strong momentum for the initiative.

While psilocybin legalization efforts are gaining ground in states like Oregon and Colorado, Florida appears to be moving in the opposite direction by attempting to further criminalize certain aspects of the psychedelic mushroom lifecycle.

Growing National Momentum: Florida Joins Other States in Expanding Medical Cannabis Access for Veterans

Florida’s move to provide free medical marijuana cards to veterans mirrors growing national momentum to expand medical cannabis access for those who served.

States like Maryland and New Mexico already have programs waiving fees or providing additional assistance to veteran patients. Advocates argue that cannabis can be an effective alternative to opioids and other pharmaceuticals often prescribed to treat conditions like PTSD and chronic pain among veterans.

By approving HB 555, Florida signals that it is willing to make practical, bipartisan adjustments to its cannabis laws—even as larger fights over full legalization loom on the horizon.

Florida Moves Toward More Compassionate Cannabis Policy With HB 555

The unanimous approval of HB 555 by the Florida House marks a historic moment in the state’s evolving cannabis policy landscape. By reducing administrative burdens, cutting costs for veterans, and extending card validity, Florida lawmakers are making medical marijuana more accessible and affordable for those who arguably need it most.

If enacted into law this summer, these changes could have a lasting positive impact on thousands of veterans across the state—providing them with safer, more affordable access to the medicine they rely on to manage their health and well-being.

As Florida continues to refine its cannabis laws, all eyes are now on the Senate and the Governor’s office to ensure that HB 555 crosses the final hurdles and becomes a reality.