Tarpon Springs, FL Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Fla. Stat. 381.986(11)
- Zoning standard
- Same as pharmacies
- Moratorium
- Repealed in 2018
- Cap on dispensaries
- Not allowed locally
- License
- State MMTC required
Summary
Under Florida Statute 381.986, Tarpon Springs must regulate medical marijuana dispensaries the same as pharmacies; the city repealed its 2017 moratorium and now permits MMTCs in zoning districts where pharmacies are allowed.
medical marijuana treatment center cultivating or processing facility may not be located within 500 feet of the real property that comprises a public or private elementary school, middle school, or secondary school. (b)1. A county or municipality may, by ordinance, ban medical marijuana treatment center dispensing facilities from being located within the boundaries of that county or municipality. A county or municipality that does not ban dispensing facilities under this subparagraph may not place specific limits, by ordinance, on the number of dispensing facilities that may locate within that county or municipality. 2.
Full Breakdown
Florida Statute 381.986(11) preempts local zoning for Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) by requiring municipalities that allow them to zone dispensaries identically to pharmacies. After an initial moratorium, Tarpon Springs adopted ordinances repealing the temporary ban and conforming its land development code to state law, so dispensaries are permitted in any district where a pharmacy may operate, subject to the same setbacks and use standards. The city may not impose stricter buffers from schools, parks, or churches than those that apply to pharmacies, and it cannot cap the number of dispensaries operating within city limits. Operators must still hold a valid state MMTC license.
Violations & Fines
Operating without state licensure or in non-pharmacy zones triggers code enforcement, business-license revocation, and state DOH penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Tarpon Springs ban dispensaries entirely?
Are recreational cannabis stores allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tarpon Springs
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Tarpon Springs to another location·View the Florida cannabis regulations overview
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Dispensary Zoning in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Pinellas County handle dispensary zoning.