Savannah Reams
ECB Publishing, Inc.
On Monday, April 27, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) launched the online Hemp Cultivation Licensing Portal, allowing local farmers to apply for licenses. The portal furnishes an easy application process, providing applicants with a checklist of recommended steps. This portal launch follows the U.S. Department of Agriculture's formal approval of Florida's state hemp program on Thursday, April 16, 2020.
“As we continue building our state hemp program into a national leader, our new online application portal will help growers quickly and easily apply for hemp cultivation licenses, as well as manage, renew and view any current hemp applications,” stated Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried. “We’re working to ensure that applying for a license is streamlined and simple, so Floridians interested in growing hemp can quickly get started.”
As part of the permitting process, applicants are required to complete a background check which includes fingerprint submission along with the ORI number (Originating Agency Identifier) that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has assigned to FDACS: FL925080Z. The ORI number is active and may be used at locations that complete the fingerprinting and submission process (Livescan service providers). For a list of Livescan service providers, visit fdle.state.fl.us. Some Livescan service provers’ operations may be impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is recommend applicants contact Livescan service provers prior to visiting a location.
The online Hemp Cultivation Licensing Portal can be accessed at DACS.gov, or on the FDACS hemp webpage, fdacs.gov/Cannabis-Hemp/Hemp-CBD-in-Florida. The page also contains a link to an application checklist, so interested growers have the information needed for a quick, easy application process.
