Overview
- The Senate Regulated Industries Committee voted 7-0 to report SB 986 favorably, sending it to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government.
- SB 986 would fold marijuana into the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act, banning smoking or vaping in public places such as streets, sidewalks, parks, public beaches, and the common areas of apartments, restaurants, lodging and retail.
- The proposal would also prohibit marijuana use in designated smoking rooms at any time, a restriction not in current statute.
- Sponsors framed the move as a public-health measure and as preparation should voters later approve adult use, while business groups sought clarity to preserve designated smoking areas on private property.
- Medical-marijuana advocates warned the broad “public place” definition could limit lawful patient use in apartment complexes and lodging; a House companion, HB 389, is pending.