A Jacksonville city councilman has introduced legislation that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, placing the city among a growing number of municipalities seeking alternatives to criminal penalties for low-level cannabis offenses.
The proposal was introduced by Garrett Dennis and would give law enforcement officers the discretion to issue a civil citation—rather than make an arrest—for possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana. Under the ordinance, possession at or below that threshold would no longer result in a criminal charge for eligible individuals.
Councilman Dennis has argued that the change is about fairness and proportionality. He has pointed to cases in which residents face jail time, job loss, or long-term consequences for minor possession offenses. According to the proposal, the ordinance would apply only to adults 18 years of age or older who are not being charged with another crime at the time of the stop.
Currently, possession of marijuana under 20 grams in Florida is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. The proposed ordinance would replace those penalties with a civil citation, reducing the long-term impact on individuals while preserving officer discretion.
If adopted, the policy would not eliminate enforcement entirely. Mike Williams, as sheriff of Jacksonville, would retain authority over how officers implement the ordinance, including whether to issue a civil citation or pursue criminal charges in certain circumstances. Supporters emphasize that the measure is designed to focus law enforcement resources on more serious offenses.
Former Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry previously expressed reservations about marijuana policy changes, stating that legalizing drugs while encouraging law enforcement can appear contradictory to public safety goals. Any ordinance passed by the City Council would still need mayoral approval to take effect.
It is important to note that recreational marijuana remains illegal across the state of Florida. While the state has an established medical marijuana program, adult-use cannabis has not been legalized. Florida’s medical program allows qualified patients with certain conditions—such as cancer, glaucoma, and post-traumatic stress disorder—to access cannabis with a physician’s recommendation.
In 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation allowing registered medical marijuana patients to legally purchase and use smokable cannabis flower, expanding access beyond oils and edibles. However, this change did not legalize recreational use, nor did it alter criminal penalties for unlicensed possession under state law.
The Jacksonville proposal reflects a broader national trend toward local decriminalization, even in states without full legalization. If passed, the ordinance would not legalize marijuana sales or public consumption, but it would reduce criminal penalties for small-scale possession within city limits. As debate continues, residents and policymakers alike will be watching closely to see whether Jacksonville ultimately moves forward with the measure and how it could shape future cannabis policy discussions in Florida.