Bal Harbour—a small, upscale village in Miami-Dade County known for its luxury resorts and high-end shopping—is subject to Florida’s cannabis legal framework, with several noteworthy local nuances that visitors must understand.

Medical Cannabis: Legal with Restrictions

Under Florida law, cannabis remains illegal for recreational use, but is lawful for qualified medical patients who hold a valid Medical Marijuana Use Authorization (MMUA). The state’s 2016 constitutional Amendment 2 legalized medical marijuana for individuals diagnosed with a spectrum of debilitating conditions—such as cancer, epilepsy, PTSD, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, and others—as certified by a qualified physician.

Patients may consume medical cannabis—even in smokable forms—provided they adhere to state regulations and obtain their medication from licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs). They must also secure prescriptions within medically prescribed supply limits and participate in the state registry to remain compliant.

Dispensaries: Banned in Bal Harbour

Despite statewide legalization for medical purposes, Bal Harbour village regulations have effectively prohibited dispensaries within village limits. In 2017, the Village Council adopted strict zoning laws to keep MMTCs out, citing concerns related to local character and security. As a result, even registered patients must travel outside Bal Harbour to obtain medical cannabis products.

Public Use: Unlawful Across the Village

Florida strictly prohibits public consumption of cannabis, whether medical or otherwise. Use must be confined to private property—such as a patient’s home or residence. Violations—even by licensed patients—can result in fines or other penalties. Public sites such as beaches, parks, malls, and workplaces are off-limits, and enforcement in Bal Harbour can be strict due to its small size and heightened law enforcement presence.

Possession and Penalties

Possession of cannabis without a valid medical authorization is illegal statewide. Possessing 20 grams or less is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $1,000. Possession of amounts exceeding 20 grams may result in felony charges, with penalties including up to five years imprisonment and fines up to $5,000. Larger quantities escalate penalties considerably, with trafficking charges carrying even harsher consequences. Possession of paraphernalia such as pipes or bongs also constitutes a misdemeanor, subject to fines and possible jail time.

Recreational Cannabis: Still Prohibited

Florida remains one of the states where recreational cannabis use is not authorized. A 2024 statewide amendment sought to legalize personal use of cannabis for adults aged 21 and over but failed to meet the 60% threshold required for passage. Until further legislative or constitutional change, recreational use remains prohibited. This distinction is crucial for visitors from states where recreational cannabis is legal, as assumptions can lead to serious legal trouble in Florida.

Why Visitors Must Be Aware

Tourists and visitors to Bal Harbour should understand this legal framework for several key reasons:

1. Avoid Legal Trouble: Possessing cannabis without medical authorization—even in small amounts—can result in misdemeanor or felony charges.
2. No Local Dispensaries: Licensed patients must travel outside Bal Harbour to obtain medication.
3. Strict Public Use Rules: Consumption in public places can lead to fines or arrest, even for medical cardholders.
4. Different from Other States: Visitors arriving from states with recreational legalization must not assume the same applies here.

Read More: Beyond the Beachfront: How Bal Harbour Navigates Cannabis, Medicine, and Image