Hemp Cultivation Licensing

Apply for a Hemp Cultivation License

Protect yourself from scams and fraud: As a reminder, the Hemp Cultivation License is free of charge, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) will not contact you via text message concerning the status of your license. 

Before You Apply

What can you do to prepare so you can quickly and correctly apply for a license?

• See our Checklist for Applicants of Hemp Cultivation Licenses in  English [ 740.6 kB ] and  Spanish [ 789.3 kB ] .
• Review our Hemp Cultivation Application FAQ [ 347.6 kB ] .

Background Checks

As part of the hemp cultivation permitting process, applicants are required to complete a background check.

To complete a background check, you must have the ORI number (Originating Agency Identifier) that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has assigned to FDACS: FL925080Z.

The ORI number is currently active and may be used at locations that complete the fingerprinting and submission process (Livescan service providers).

Fingerprinting background checks must be conducted annually prior to issuance and renewal of your license. You will need to include a new Livescan transaction control number and Livescan submitted date during the renewal process. Please continue to use the ORI: FL925080Z when submitting your fingerprints.

• See a List of Livescan Service Providers
• Locate a Livescan Service Provider in Your Area

For challenges using the ORI number, contact (850) 410-8161 or ApplicantChecks@fdle.state.fl.us.

Hemp Containment and Transportation Plan

Applicants are required to have a Hemp Containment and Transportation Plan. For more information, see our Hemp Containment and Transportation Plan Guidance [ 66.1 kB ] and Sample Plan [ 51.4 kB ] for growers.

After You Apply

Enrollment in Agricultural Best Management Practices

When you receive your hemp cultivation license, contact the FDACS Office of Agricultural Water Policy at (850) 617-1727 to schedule an appointment to enroll your production in the applicable best management practices (BMPs).

Enrollment in the FDACS BMP program provides the producer with a presumption of compliance with water quality standards under Florida law, and is required in areas covered by Basin Management Action Plans as the alternative to undertaking required water quality monitoring.