Will Florida Legalize Recreational Marijuana in 2026?
Despite previous setbacks, a renewed effort to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida is underway. The Smart & Safe Florida political committee, backed by Trulieve, the state’s largest marijuana provider, has launched a new initiative for the November 2026 election.
If successful, the proposed amendment would allow individuals 21 and older to possess and use recreational marijuana, subject to certain restrictions. The measure would also permit licensed entities to grow, process, and sell marijuana, aside from the state’s existing Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers.
To get on the ballot, Smart & Safe Florida must collect at least 880,062 valid petition signatures by February 1. As of January 9, the state elections office had verified 675,307 signatures, with the group claiming to have gathered over a million. However, a lawsuit filed in December alleges that state officials improperly invalidated around 72,000 signatures from inactive voters and out-of-state petition gatherers.
The proposal still faces significant hurdles, including a potential rejection by the Florida Supreme Court. Attorney General James Uthmeier, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and Associated Industries of Florida have filed briefs arguing that the measure is misleading and conflicts with federal law.
In contrast, medical marijuana is already legal in Florida for residents with specific medical conditions who hold a Medical Marijuana Card. However, the drug must be purchased at licensed dispensaries and is subject to state-imposed limits on amount and THC levels.
The outcome of the 2026 election will determine whether Florida joins the growing list of states that have legalized recreational marijuana.
