Florida ag department now regulating hemp, CBD products with new rules, permits

Agriculture officials in Florida are now tracking and regulating CBD and hemp products, a change prompted by a state law that took effect Jan. 1.

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services oversee products containing hemp and CBD ingredients that are consumed by humans and animals.

They also manage the regulatory structure for hemp production.

Florida lawmakers last year moved regulatory authority for CBD ingestibles to the agriculture department.

“Prior to these rules being adopted and taking effect, we didn’t have regulatory authority,” Bell told The News Service of Florida on Monday.

“Now we do, and we have that up and going so that we can make sure consumers are protected.”

Agency inspectors began visiting retail stores and food establishments throughout the state on Jan. 2 to ensure compliance with new rules for hemp and CBD products.

Any business that manufactures, processes, packs, holds, prepares or sells food made from or containing hemp extract is required to apply for a Hemp Food Establishment Permit that will allow them to sell products containing CBD.

The permits cost $650 a year.