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🌱 Cannabis Regulations/Dispensary Zoning

Dispensary Zoning: Coral Gables vs Miami Beach

How do dispensary zoning rules compare between Coral Gables, FL and Miami Beach, FL?

Coral Gables and Miami Beach have similar restriction levels.

Coral Gables, FL

Miami-Dade County

Heavy Restrictions

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.

View full Coral Gables rules β†’

Miami Beach, FL

Miami-Dade County

Heavy Restrictions

Medical marijuana dispensaries in Miami Beach are limited to specific commercial zoning districts (CD-2, C-PS2, CD-1) under Section 142-1502 of the City Code. Dispensaries must maintain a 500-foot buffer from schools and may not dispense products outside their premises. All sales must occur indoors and not be visible from outside.

View full Miami Beach rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactCoral GablesMiami Beach
Local ZoningHeavily restricted locations-
State LicenseFlorida MMTC license required-
County FrameworkMiami-Dade Ordinance 16-67-
State PreemptionCannot ban MMTCs outright-
Delivery OptionStatewide MMTC delivery available-
Allowed Zones-CD-2, C-PS2, CD-1
School Buffer-500 feet minimum
Code Section-142-1502 and 142-1503
Sales Visibility-Must not be visible from outside
County Ordinance-16-67 (Article IXA)

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Coral Gables FAQ

Are cannabis dispensaries allowed in Coral Gables?

Florida law preempts cities from outright banning Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers, but Coral Gables has strict local zoning that significantly limits where physical dispensaries may operate. Licensed MMTCs can deliver to Coral Gables addresses as an alternative.

What approvals does a dispensary need to open in Coral Gables?

A dispensary needs a valid Florida MMTC license from the Department of Health, compliance with Miami-Dade County Ordinance 16-67 zoning requirements, local zoning approval, Board of Architects approval for exterior design and signage, and a city Business Tax Receipt.

Can a dispensary have neon signs in Coral Gables?

No. Coral Gables prohibits neon signs and strictly limits commercial signage through its sign code and Board of Architects review. Dispensary signage must comply with the same aesthetic standards as all other commercial establishments in the city.

Miami Beach FAQ

Where can a medical marijuana dispensary operate in Miami Beach?

Dispensaries are limited to zoning districts CD-2, C-PS2, and CD-1 under Section 142-1502 of the Miami Beach City Code. They must be at least 500 feet from any school and hold both state and local licenses.

Can dispensaries sell cannabis products visible from the street?

No. Section 142-1503 prohibits cannabis sales activities from being visible from outside the dispensary. All transactions must occur indoors within the licensed premises.

Can a dispensary deliver medical marijuana in Miami Beach?

State-licensed MMTCs may deliver to patients under Florida law, but dispensaries may not dispense products outside their premises under Section 142-1503. Delivery is handled through the state MMTC delivery framework, not local dispensary operations.

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