Fort Lauderdale follows Florida law: adult-use (recreational) cannabis is not legal statewide, and lawful use is primarily limited to Florida medical marijuana for qualified patients and caregivers. That distinction matters most for visitors, because a medical card from another state generally does not grant the same purchasing and use privileges as Florida’s program.

Public consumption is broadly prohibited—even for medical patients

Florida’s medical marijuana statute restricts where medical cannabis may be used. “Medical use” specifically does not include using or administering marijuana in any public place, and it also restricts use on public transportation and in vehicles, aircraft, and motorboats (with narrow exceptions tied to low-THC products not intended for smoking). In practical terms, consumers should assume that smoking, vaping, or otherwise consuming THC cannabis in public areas of Fort Lauderdale is not allowed, even if someone is a registered Florida medical patient.

Fort Lauderdale’s beach and park smoking/vaping ordinance adds another layer

Beyond state cannabis rules, the City of Fort Lauderdale has its own ordinance prohibiting smoking or vaping in public parks and on public beach areas within city limits (with a narrow cigar exception). Notably, the ordinance’s vaping definition covers vapor produced “from a nicotine product or any other substance,” which means it can capture vaping behavior beyond nicotine products. For cannabis consumers, the safest approach is simple: don’t smoke or vape anything on Fort Lauderdale’s beaches or in city parks.

Private-property rules still control

Even when cannabis use is otherwise lawful, property owners set rules. Many hotels, rentals, condos, and venues prohibit smoking and may also prohibit vaping. Consumers should treat cannabis like alcohol in one key respect: permission and location matter. The most legally conservative option is consumption inside a private residence (or another private location where the owner expressly allows it), away from public view and public access.

Packaging, transport, and “where it came from” matter for medical patients

Florida medical law ties lawful “medical use” to marijuana purchased from a licensed Florida Medical Marijuana Treatment Center and requires that marijuana purchased remain in its original packaging. For consumers, that means: don’t transfer products into unmarked containers, and keep labels and packaging available when transporting.

Possession risk: the non-medical penalties are real

For anyone without lawful authorization under Florida’s medical program, simple possession can trigger criminal exposure. Under Florida law, possession of 20 grams or less of cannabis is a first-degree misdemeanor. Amount, location, and other facts can escalate consequences, so visitors should not assume “small amounts” are treated casually.

Practical compliance checklist for Fort Lauderdale

Consumers, residents, and visitors reduce risk by following a few baseline rules:

• No public consumption (including sidewalks, beaches, parks, bars, and most outdoor public areas).
• No use in vehicles or on boats—and do not drive impaired.
• If a Florida medical patient: buy only from Florida-licensed dispensaries and keep products in original packaging.

Note: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice on a specific situation, consult a Florida-licensed attorney.

Learn More: What Medical Cannabis Card Holders Use Cannabis For: A Symptom Breakdown