VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — In less than a month, anyone caught with a small amount of marijuana in Volusia County will have to pay a $100 fine instead of going to jail, leaders unanimously decided Thursday.
But it depends on where the smoker is caught.
Laws on the beaches are enforced by the county, where the ordinance will be in effect, but the city of Daytona Beach is not.
If anyone is caught by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office or Beach Safety with 20 grams of marijuana or less, they’ll face only a $100 fine.
This ordinance has been in the works for the last year, with law enforcement and judges weighing in.
The State Attorney's Office recommended a $100 fine because it’s believed that people would likely pay it and avoid legal fees and litigation.
Councilman Josh Wagner said police officers still have discretion, and could arrest someone, but officials created the ordinance to reduce the number of arrests.
Also Thursday, a bill that expands the use of medical marijuana for patients with terminal conditions and adds regulations to a bill from two years ago passed the Florida House.
A similar bill is before the Florida Senate.
Cox Media Group
