Cannabis Regulations in Hollywood, FL

If you live in Hollywood or are thinking about moving there, cannabis regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Hollywood has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of cannabis regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Dispensary Zoning

Hollywood treats a medical marijuana treatment center dispensing facility as a pharmacy under its zoning code, so it cannot open within a half mile of another dispensing facility, a Pharmacy of 9,000 square feet, or a Pain Management Clinic. The city has not opted out of dispensing facilities; siting instead runs entirely through this pharmacy-style distance test.

Key details: Governing section: § 3.23(D), Zoning and Land Development Regulations. Buffer distance: Half mile from pharmacies, pain clinics, dispensing facilities. Variance policy: No variances permitted under § 3.23. Max fine: $1,000/day; $5,000/day for repeat violations. Appeal window: 30 days to Broward County Circuit Court.

Operating a dispensing facility inside the half-mile buffer without an approved Certificate of Use is a code violation referred to the Special Magistrate under Chapter 36. Section 36.29 authorizes fines up to $1,000 per day the violation continues, rising to $5,000 per day for a repeat violation, plus a lien recordable against the property; where no distance-specific penalty applies, § 10.99's general penalty of a $500 fine or 60 days' imprisonment governs, with each day a separate offense.

Buffer Zones

Hollywood bars a medical marijuana treatment center dispensing facility from locating within 500 feet of any public or private elementary, middle, or secondary school under § 3.23(G). The city can waive that buffer only through a public hearing finding that the site promotes public health, safety, and welfare.

Key details: Governing section: § 3.23(G), Zoning and Land Development Regulations. Buffer distance: 500 ft from any school's real property. Waiver path: Public hearing finding under Fla. Stat. § 381.986. Variance policy: None permitted under § 3.23. Measurement method: Linear, closest property line to property line.

A dispensing facility sited inside the 500-foot school buffer without the required public-hearing approval is a zoning violation the city refers to the Special Magistrate under Chapter 36, carrying fines up to $1,000 per day the violation continues and up to $5,000 per day for a repeat violation under § 36.29, on top of any Certificate of Use revocation.

Compared to other cities, Hollywood takes a harder line on buffer zones. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Hollywood's cannabis regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Hollywood is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Hollywood's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.