The Florida House of Representatives has postponed a vote on two key bills designed to create a regulatory framework for consumable hemp products. The bills, HB 7027 focused on policy and HB 7029 on taxation, were originally scheduled for discussion on the House floor last Friday. Rep. Michelle Salzman, a Republican from Pensacola and the primary sponsor of both bills, requested the delay due to timing issues.
Salzman confirmed that the legislation is still under consideration and is expected to be addressed on Tuesday. With only a week remaining in the current session, this delay could complicate the legislative process. For the bills to reach Governor Ron DeSantis for approval, both the House and Senate must pass identical versions before the session concludes on May 2.
Earlier this month, the Senate approved its own hemp regulation bill, SB 438, which contains key differences from the House proposals. Notably, the Senate’s version includes restrictions on advertising hemp products outside of retail locations, while the House bill does not address marketing practices but imposes stringent packaging requirements.
When asked about the reasons for the postponement, Salzman clarified that the delay was not due to any unresolved provisions in the bills. ‘We just pushed it due to timing,’ she stated.
If the House and Senate align on the legislation, it will still require the Governor’s approval. DeSantis previously vetoed a hemp bill last year, citing concerns that it might impose excessive restrictions and negatively impact Florida businesses. The outcome of this legislative session remains uncertain, but the stakes are high for the state’s hemp industry.
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