Florida has long maintained a structured and physician-supervised medical marijuana program, but the State has not passed Amendment 3. Amendment 3 was aimed to legalize the adult-use recreational use of Marijuana, but it was voted out by the State. The amendment achieved a majority 56% support among voters but failed to reach the 60% supermajority required for adoption. This means that Florida will maintain its existing Marijuana certification program, which remains one of the largest and most structured in the United States.
Many want to know what it means for patients, dispensaries, and cannabis consumers across the state. This article explains what the failure of Amendment 3 means for the future of cannabis in Florida and clarifies the ongoing distinctions between medical vs. recreational marijuana under current Florida cannabis laws (2025).
Schedule your appointment today for Medical Marijuana Card in Florida with My Florida Green’s certified doctors.
What was Amendment 3 supposed to do for Florida’s Cannabis laws?
Florida’s Amendment 3, which was on the November 2024 ballot and concerned the “Adult Personal Use of Marijuana,” did not pass. If it had passed, Amendment 3 would have:
- Allowed adults 21 and older to possess, purchase, or use a limited amount of marijuana for non-medical, personal use.
- Permitted individuals to possess up to three ounces of marijuana without criminal or civil liability under state law.
- Modified the existing medical marijuana constitutional amendment to incorporate adult non-medical use.
- Allowed current licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) to sell adult-use cannabis.
You must remember that since the amendment failed to pass, the possession and personal use of recreational marijuana remain illegal in Florida under state law.
Florida’s Medical Marijuana Program is still the foundation.
Florida’s medical cannabis program, established under Amendment 2, remains the core of the state’s cannabis regulation. The Florida Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) is in charge of it.
Who can get a Florida Medical Marijuana Card?
To be eligible, a patient must:
- Be a Florida resident or seasonal resident.
- Be evaluated by a certified medical marijuana doctor in Florida.
- Have a qualifying health condition approved by the OMMU.
Once certified, patients can register with the OMMU and receive their Florida medical marijuana card. A valid Marijuana Card grants certified patients legal access to a Florida medical cannabis dispensary.
What are the qualifying conditions for Florida Marijuana?
In 2025, Florida will have a clear list of conditions that qualify for medical marijuana, such as
- Cancer.
- Seizures.
- Glaucoma.
- HIV/AIDS.
- Crohn’s Disease.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
- Parkinson’s Disease.Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- Chronic pain that isn’t cancerous.
- Terminal illness.
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Medical conditions “of the same kind or class,” like anxiety, insomnia, or migraines. Doctors can also suggest cannabis for conditions that cause severe pain, muscle spasms, or nausea if they think the patient would benefit from it.
How much does a Medical Marijuana card cost?
Getting a medical marijuana card in Florida involves following the steps and associated costs.
- Doctor Evaluation Consultation with a certified medical marijuana doctor $150–$250
- State Application Fee Paid to OMMU for your card $75
- Renewal Fee Required every 7–12 months $75–$125
- Average Total Cost: $225 to $325 a year
What are the major differences between medical and recreational marijuana?
Florida treats medical and recreational cannabis very differently. Below, we outline some major differences.
| Category | Medical Marijuana | Recreational Marijuana |
| Legal Status | Legal under Florida’s Amendment 2 (2016) | Not legal – Amendment 3 did not pass. |
| Eligibility | Available to patients with qualifying medical conditions | Not permitted for any use |
| Doctor certification | Required from a certified medical marijuana physician | Not applicable |
| Registration | Requires a valid Florida Medical Marijuana Card (OMMU) | No legal frameworks exists |
| Purchase locations | Licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) | Illegal to buy or sell |
What are Florida’s certified Medical Marijuana doctors?
Florida’s Medical Marijuana program is based on certified medical marijuana doctors. They make sure that:
- Patients are safely and legally evaluated for cannabis use.
- Dosage, strain, and delivery methods match the medical condition.
- Patients follow the rules of the OMMU registry.
All patients must renew their certification with a certified physician after every 210 days (about 7 months). This makes sure that you keep an eye on things and use them safely and responsibly.
Why should you keep your Medical Marijuana Card in 2025?
Recreational cannabis is illegal in Florida. This means that the only legal way to access cannabis in Florida is to obtain a Medical Marijuana Card. The Card is proof that you are a marijuana patient and have the legal right to buy prescribed cannabis from licensed dispensaries. The card has many benefits, including
- More product choice: The card allows users to access higher THC therapeutic formulations if prescribed by their treating physician. These preparations are not available to the public.
- Tax benefit: Patients can save on taxes, as Marijuana products produced for therapeutic purposes are tax-exempt. This exception makes Cannabis more affordable.
- Tailored prescription: Patients with a valid Marijuana card get personalized prescriptions from their physician. The physician does a thorough examination of the patients to give them a strain and dose tailored to their health condition. They also receive quantities based on medical need, not restrictive state limits.
In short, your medical marijuana card is still your key to safe, legal, and affordable access to cannabis in Florida. If you want assistance in getting your MMJ Card, you can reach out to the experts at My Florida Green. They make sure that your path to cannabis care stays legal, easy to get to, and cheap, no matter where you live in Florida, whether it’s Naples, Jacksonville, Sarasota, or Miami.
Recreational Marijuana remains illegal in Florida.
Since Amendment 3 did not pass, Florida’s cannabis landscape remains focused on its established medical marijuana program. Florida’s Medical Marijuana program is built on safety and structure. Only certified medical marijuana doctors in Florida can determine if the patient suffers from qualifying conditions for Medical Marijuana. While recreational use remains off the table for now, Florida cannabis laws continue to serve as the gold standard for patients seeking therapeutic relief, affordability, and legal protection.
