Fort Lauderdale, FL Cannabis Regulations: Home Cultivation (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- FL Statutes §381.986, §893.13
- Home Growing
- Illegal for all individuals
- Patient Growing
- Not permitted even with medical card
- Penalty (1-25 plants)
- 3rd degree felony: up to 5 yrs, $5,000 fine
- Penalty (25+ plants)
- 2nd degree felony: up to 15 yrs, $10,000 fine
Summary
Home cultivation of cannabis is illegal in Fort Lauderdale and throughout Florida. Only state-licensed cultivators authorized by the Florida Department of Health may grow marijuana plants. Patients and caregivers may not cultivate cannabis.
(k)  “Medical use” means the acquisition, possession, use, delivery, transfer, or administration of marijuana authorized by a physician certification. The term does not include: 1.  Possession, use, or administration of marijuana that was not purchased or acquired from a medical marijuana treatment center. 2.  Possession, use, or administration of marijuana in the form of commercially produced food items other than edibles or of marijuana seeds. 3.  Use or administration of any form or amount of marijuana in a manner that is inconsistent with the qualified physician’s directions or physician certification. 4.  Transfer of marijuana to a person other than the qualified patient for whom it was authorized or the qualified patient’s caregiver on behalf of the qualified patient. 5.  Use or administration of marijuana in the following locations: a.  On any form of public transportation, except for low-THC cannabis not in a form for smoking. b.  In any public place, except for low-THC cannabis not in a form for smoking. c.  In a qualified patient’s place of employment, except when permitted by his or her employer. d.  In a state correctional institution, as defined in s. 944.02 , or a correctional institution, as defined in s. 944.241 . e.  On the grounds of a preschool, primary school, or secondary school, except as provided in s. 1006.062 . f.  In a school bus, a vehicle, an aircraft, or a motorboat, except for low-THC cannabis not in a form for smoking.
Full Breakdown
Under Florida Statutes Section 381.986, only licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers may cultivate cannabis. It is illegal for patients, caregivers, or any other individuals to grow marijuana plants at home regardless of whether they hold a medical marijuana card. Possession of cannabis plants constitutes manufacturing under Florida law. Fort Lauderdale enforces state cannabis laws through the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. Florida has not enacted any home grow provisions for medical or recreational use as of 2025.
Violations & Fines
Home cultivation of cannabis is a felony under Florida Statutes Section 893.13. Growing 25 or fewer plants is a third-degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Growing more than 25 plants is a second-degree felony.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Lauderdale
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Fort Lauderdale to another location·View the Florida cannabis regulations overview
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Home Cultivation in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Broward County handle home cultivation.