Florida Enforces New Hemp Rules

New hemp regulations are now being enforced in Florida—and the first wave of inspections has already made a big impact. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson just announced the results of “Operation Safe Summer,” a statewide inspection sweep that followed recent changes to the rules governing hemp products. In just one week, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services pulled nearly 11,000 products from store shelves across 20 counties for violating new child-protection standards.

These updated regulations officially took effect earlier this year and focus on packaging, labeling, and marketing—especially anything that could appeal to kids. Think cartoon shapes, bright colors, or unclear labeling. Hemp products must now meet stricter safety standards, including child-resistant packaging and clear certificates of analysis.

Commissioner Simpson says this first sweep sends a strong message: businesses that ignore these safety rules won’t be doing business in Florida for long. Since enforcement efforts began in '23, the state has flagged more than 738,000 non-compliant hemp products—and officials say this is just the beginning.