The push for a hemp program in Florida has been a largely bipartisan one, and plays into a national trend of following what some call the “green rush” of financial opportunity.
Across the state, farmers, processors and innovators have been waiting for a green light.
Some are ready to return century-old family land to farm again, revitalize citrus operations, build processing facilities and make sustainable cotton-like products.
They wanted a hemp program and Friday afternoon, their wishes were answered.
On the penultimate day of the legislative session, the Legislature approved a bill that allows the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to create a state hemp program. The Senate voted unanimously to pass the bill. On Wednesday, all members but Rep. James Bush, D-Miami, voted to approve the bill.