Media Inquiries
Contact the Office of Communications:
Erin Moffet
Strategic Communications Director
(850) 766-7358
Erin.Moffet@FDACS.gov
Caroline Stonecipher
Deputy Communications Director
(850) 661-7153
Caroline.Stonecipher@FDACS.gov
Sabina Covo
Hispanic Media Director
Sabina.Covo@FDACS.gov
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, in response to a new rule announced by the Florida Department of Health that will more than double the fees for Black farmers applying for a medical marijuana treatment center license, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried issued the following statement:
“It is completely outrageous that the DeSantis Administration has raised the fees and increased the administrative burden for Black farmers applying for medical marijuana licenses in Florida. These Black farmers have been designated a protected class because of a class-action discrimination lawsuit, and it is extremely concerning that they are now being targeted with seemingly discriminatory fees and licensing requirements. Black farmers should have the same access to these licenses as the other 22 license holders that Florida has previously approved. I hope the Florida Department of Health will immediately revise this discriminatory rule and ensure equity for all license applicants.”
Background: The rule announced today only applies to the Pigford Class of Black farmer applicants and will increase the application fee to $146,000 from around $60,000 and creates more extensive application requirements.
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