Coral Gables's Cannabis Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Coral Gables maintains 107 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with cannabis regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Coral Gables falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Dispensary Zoning

Cannabis dispensaries are heavily restricted in Coral Gables through strict local zoning regulations. Miami-Dade County Ordinance 16-67 establishes the zoning framework for Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers, but Coral Gables' zoning code further limits where dispensaries may operate. State preemption under Senate Bill 8-A limits some local zoning authority over licensed MMTCs.

Key details: Local Zoning: Heavily restricted locations. State License: Florida MMTC license required. County Framework: Miami-Dade Ordinance 16-67. State Preemption: Cannot ban MMTCs outright. Delivery Option: Statewide MMTC delivery available.

Operating a dispensary without proper zoning approval and MMTC licensure is both a criminal offense and a zoning violation. Local zoning violations may result in Code Enforcement citations with daily fines. Operating without a state MMTC license is a third-degree felony under Florida law.

Compared to other cities, Coral Gables takes a harder line on dispensary zoning. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Home Cultivation

Home cultivation of cannabis is illegal in Florida. Florida law does not permit patients or caregivers to grow marijuana at home, even with a valid medical marijuana card. All medical cannabis must be purchased from a licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MMTC). Coral Gables enforces state law and may impose additional local penalties.

Key details: Home Cultivation: Illegal in Florida. Medical Patients: Cannot grow at home. Under 25 Plants: Third-degree felony. 25+ Plants: Second-degree felony. Legal Source: Licensed MMTCs only.

Growing cannabis at home is a criminal offense under Florida Statute 893.13. Cultivation of fewer than 25 plants is a third-degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Cultivation of 25 or more plants is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Coral Gables actively enforces its home cultivation requirements.

The Bottom Line

Coral Gables is tougher than many cities when it comes to cannabis regulations. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Coral Gables, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Coral Gables can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.