First, Florida is a medical-only state. Adult-use (recreational) cannabis is not legal, and a 2024 statewide amendment to legalize it failed to reach the 60% threshold. That means tourists without a Florida medical marijuana card cannot legally purchase or possess marijuana products from dispensaries anywhere in the state.

No reciprocity for visitors. Unlike some states, Florida does not honor out-of-state medical marijuana cards. Only qualified Florida patients—permanent or seasonal residents who complete the state registry process—may buy from licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs). If a visitor plans an extended stay and meets eligibility rules, they may apply as a seasonal resident, but they cannot simply present another state’s card at the counter.

Know the possession and purchase limits for patients. Certified Florida patients face strict dosing caps, including a 35-day smokable flower limit of 2.5 ounces and aggregate THC limits by product category over 70 days. Patients also may not possess more than four ounces of smokable cannabis at any time, unless granted an approved exception by the Department of Health. Visitors who are not Florida patients should not carry cannabis at all.

Public use is prohibited. Even for qualified patients, using marijuana in places open to the public is unlawful. Local rules also matter: in Fort Myers, smoking or vaping is banned in city-owned parks, and nearby beaches and municipalities may post additional restrictions. Always keep consumption private, in lodging that explicitly allows it.

Driving and travel reminders. Driving under the influence of cannabis is a crime in Florida, and transporting marijuana across state lines remains illegal under federal law—even for medical patients. At airports, federal rules apply; travelers should not attempt to fly with cannabis. When in doubt, leave products behind.

What about hemp and “delta” products? Florida tightened oversight of hemp extract, defining packaging and testing rules and targeting products attractive to children; a 2024 bill proposed strict potency caps and banning certain intoxicating cannabinoids such as delta-8, though it was vetoed. Retail offerings may therefore vary, and enforcement continues to evolve—check labels for permitted THC content and buy only from permitted businesses.

Practical tips for visitors:

• Book cannabis-friendly lodging in advance; most hotels ban smoking.
• If you are a Florida patient, keep products in their original MMTC packaging and carry your registry card.
• Confirm local park and beach rules; where smoking is prohibited, so is cannabis smoke or vapor.
• Use ride-shares or a designated driver if medicating; never drive impaired.
• Don’t post, vape, or smoke in public spaces—private, permitted settings only.

Bottom line: Fort Myers welcomes respectful visitors, but Florida’s framework is conservative and enforcement is real. Tourists without Florida medical authorization should enjoy the city’s beaches, arts, and dining without cannabis. Patients should plan ahead, know their limits, and keep consumption discreet and private, safely. With a little preparation, travelers can avoid legal hiccups and calmly focus on the sunshine.