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How to Get a Grower’s License in Florida

The state of Florida legalized marijuana for medicinal use all the way back in 2016. The campaign to legalize recreational use of marijuana is gaining steam, and will likely be passed within the next few years. 

It’s still illegal to grow marijuana at home, and the way the laws are set up in Florida, cultivation is only really granted if you’re prepared to grow marijuana on a large scale. There are a couple of different types of Florida cultivation licenses you can obtain to make that happen.

Types of FL Cultivation Licenses

The first type of license that you can obtain has been available since 2016, and up until recently, was the only license you could obtain. It’s called a Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) license, and it’s meant to have growers be responsible for more than just cultivation of marijuana.

An MMTC license was Florida’s way of packaging the entire process – from cultivation to customer procurement. This license will enable growers to not only cultivate, but also package, sell and transport medical marijuana. Licenses are obtained through the Florida Department of Health.

The other type of license is a recent addition to Florida law. It allows for you to just grow weed in Florida, and not have to worry about selling your product. This license is obtainable through the Help Cultivation Licensing Portal, and is meant for grow operations that are able to cultivate marijuana on a large scale. 

Is it Even Possible to Obtain a Florida Medical Marijuana Growers License?

Here’s the rub: As of January 2021 the state of Florida is not granting any marijuana cultivation licenses. They are, however, still accepting applications for growing marijuana in Florida.

The reason is because the state of Florida grants four new licenses every time 100,000 new medical marijuana patient licenses are processed.

That means that even though you may have to wait a long time, you’re still getting yourself in line for this process. And if recreational marijuana is approved the people in this line may be the first to get licenses as the need drastically increases.

How to Obtain a License to Grow Cannabis in Florida

When obtaining a marijuana cultivation license in any state, it’s a good idea to start by familiarizing yourself with the applicable laws, which can be found in this Florida resource.

Next, you’ll want to develop a plan for how your grow operation will work. Florida requires MMTC applicants to submit a business plan that identifies the cannabis construction firm for any distribution facilities that need to be built. Builders can be sourced from states outside of Florida, but they must be licensed to build within the state.

Site-specific designs, as well as itemized budgets for each project, are required submissions with each application.

If you’re considering obtaining a cultivation license in Florida, contact us today to discuss how we can help meet your unique building needs.

Also, if you’re planning on selling marijuana plants, you’ll need to register as a nursery, which can be accomplished by calling 888-397-1517. Background checks for the applicants are common, including fingerprinting. 

When you’re ready to apply for a Florida cultivation license you must first register at www.FDACS.gov/hemp. This site is also helpful because it provides an example of an Environmental Containment Plan, which will be necessary to include with your application for each cultivation site.

After completing the application process you’ll either be asked questions about what you submitted, or receive an approval message. Both communications will arrive via email, so register an email that you plan on checking often.

Florida Marijuana Cultivation License Cost

The cost of a marijuana cultivation license in Florida is the highest of any state in the union. That’s because only 22 have been granted, and a few have been resold for astronomical prices. Some of the prices have been listed at $40 and $55 million, with the most expensive one being sold at $67 million.

If you want to learn more about starting a dispensary, learn how to apply for a dispensary license in Florida.

Grow America Builders strives to present the most up-to-date marijuana cultivation and consumption codes and ordinances in Florida. However, these are subject to change as state lawmakers continue to pass new legislation. Please visit www.FDACS.gov/hemp for the latest news.  

If you have questions regarding grow room construction and builders in Florida please contact Grow America Builders.