Dunedin vs Seminole
How do dispensary zoning rules compare between Dunedin, FL and Seminole, FL?
Dunedin has fewer restrictions than Seminole.
Dunedin, FL
Pinellas County
Dunedin allows medical marijuana dispensaries anywhere a pharmacy may locate, as required by Florida Statute 381.986. The city dropped its initial moratorium in 2018 and instead controls dispensaries through hours, loitering, and other operational rules.
View full Dunedin rules →Seminole, FL
Pinellas County
Florida Statute 381.986 restricts Seminole's authority over Medical Marijuana Treatment Center dispensaries. The city must treat MMTCs the same as pharmacies in zoning, or ban them entirely. No middle-ground regulation is permitted.
View full Seminole rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dunedin | Seminole |
|---|---|---|
| Dispensaries allowed | Yes, like pharmacies | - |
| State preemption | Fla. Stat. 381.986 | - |
| School buffer | 500 feet under state rule | - |
| Recreational sales | Prohibited statewide | Prohibited statewide |
| Local controls | Hours, loitering, parking | - |
| Dispensary regulation | - | Pharmacy parity or ban |
| Governing statute | - | FS 381.986(11) |
| Custom buffers | - | Not allowed |
| Licensing authority | - | OMMU only |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dunedin FAQ
Can Dunedin ban medical marijuana dispensaries?
It could ban them entirely, but if it allows any, state law requires they be permitted wherever pharmacies are allowed, with no stricter zoning. Dunedin chose to allow them.
How close to a school can a dispensary be?
Florida law generally requires Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers to be at least 500 feet from a public or private school, measured from the property lines.
Are recreational dispensaries allowed?
No. Florida law currently authorizes only medical marijuana dispensing through licensed MMTCs. Recreational adult-use sales remain prohibited as of 2026.
Seminole FAQ
Are medical marijuana dispensaries allowed in Seminole?
Florida law requires cities to either treat dispensaries like pharmacies in zoning or ban them entirely. Check with Seminole Planning for current local status.
Can Seminole add buffer zones around dispensaries?
No, FS 381.986(11) prohibits dispensary-specific zoning beyond what applies to retail pharmacies. Custom distance requirements are preempted by state law.
Will recreational dispensaries open if Florida legalizes?
Local zoning authority would depend on the legalization framework adopted. Currently, recreational cannabis sales are not legal in Florida.
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