Florida Crackdown: Nearly 11,000 Hemp Products Removed in Week One of “Operation Safe Summer”

In a sweeping effort to protect children and enforce stricter safety standards, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson revealed that nearly 11,000 hemp product packages were removed from stores across 20 counties during the first week of “Operation Safe Summer.” This rapid response reflects the state’s commitment to enforcing newly updated packaging, labeling, and marketing regulations that specifically target products appealing to children.

What Prompted the Sweep?

Earlier this year, Florida amended Rule 5K‑4.034 in its administrative code. Effective from April to June 2025, the updates mandate strict requirements:

Child-resistant packaging for hemp products.
Clear, household-measure labeling for all ingestible products.
A prohibition on marketing or packaging that may appeal to children—this includes cartoons, candy-shaped gummies, and toy-like containers.

Retailers and manufacturers were notified of these changes in advance, giving them time to voluntarily update their inventory before enforcement efforts began.

The Numbers

Approximately 11,000 product packages were pulled from store shelves across 20 Florida counties in the first week alone.
Since July 2023, over 738,000 products have been flagged as non-compliant statewide.
In 2023, FDACS conducted over 700 inspections and removed 83,000 high-potency hemp extracts aimed at children.

How the Operation Worked

“Operation Safe Summer” saw FDACS inspectors visiting smoke shops, gas stations, and specialty retailers. Products were reviewed for:

Packaging compliance
Accurate THC and cannabinoid labeling
Visual appeal to minors
Child-safety features

Products failing to meet these requirements were immediately removed from shelves. These surprise inspections were intended not just to penalize, but to educate business owners on the seriousness of child-targeted hemp marketing.

Commissioner Wilton Simpson stated:

“We have drawn a hard line in Florida when it comes to protecting our children from dangerous and deceptive hemp products. If you refuse to follow the law, you won’t be doing business in Florida.”

Why This Matters

1. It Protects Children
Improperly labeled or packaged hemp products—especially those mimicking candy or toys—pose serious health risks to children. Accidental ingestion can lead to hospitalizations or long-term harm.

2. It Increases Public Trust
When shelves are stocked with compliant, clearly labeled products, consumers are better informed and more confident in the hemp industry.

3. It Levels the Playing Field
Compliant businesses suffer when others cut corners. Statewide enforcement ensures fairness and helps remove bad actors from the marketplace.

What Hemp Businesses Should Do Now

Audit Your Inventory
Immediately assess all hemp products, especially edibles and vapes. Remove anything that uses:

Candy-like shapes (bears, worms, fruits)
Bright or cartoon-style branding
Packaging without child locks or resealable features

Update Your Packaging
Switch to child-resistant containers and revise labels to include:

Accurate THC and cannabinoid content per serving
Serving sizes in familiar household measurements
Required warnings

Train Your Team
Ensure all employees understand the updated regulations and can help customers navigate the changes.

Engage with FDACS
Use state-provided resources or schedule compliance consultations. Avoid fines and seizures by staying proactive.

What’s Next for Florida

The first week was just the beginning. FDACS has committed to continued enforcement throughout the summer. This includes:

Regular follow-up inspections
Online marketplace investigations
Additional seizures and potential fines for non-compliant operators

Retailers can expect broader outreach and potentially stricter enforcement as summer progresses.

Industry + Public Reactions

Many parents and educators have voiced support for this initiative, applauding the crackdown on irresponsible marketing. Meanwhile, compliant hemp business owners welcome the move as a way to uphold industry integrity.

In areas like Lee and Charlotte counties, stores reported thousands of products being removed. While the initial losses stung, most business owners understood the reasoning and have begun working to meet the new requirements.

Final Takeaway

Florida is setting a new standard for hemp product safety, especially where children are concerned. “Operation Safe Summer” is more than a campaign—it’s a turning point for the industry.

Whether you're a retailer, manufacturer, or consumer, now’s the time to prioritize safety, transparency, and responsibility. The message is clear: If you're not putting safety first, you won’t be part of Florida’s hemp future.

Back to blog