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Florida’s New Hemp Rule Takes Effect June 16 – Here’s What to Know

Florida’s hemp industry is entering a new era of regulation—and the deadline for compliance is right around the corner. As of June 16, 2025, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) will begin actively enforcing the amended Rule 5K-4.034.


At Arvida Labs, we understand that regulation can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. We’re here to break it down, keep it actionable, and help you stay ahead—whether you’re updating packaging, verifying COAs, or launching new compliant products.



Packaging & Labeling Requirements

These are no longer suggestions; they’re now enforceable rules. Key updates include:


Child-Resistant Packaging (ASTM D3475-20)

All ingestible hemp products must be in packaging that meets child-resistance specifications. ASTM D3475-20 outlines how a package must be designed so that it’s difficult for children under five to open but still accessible to adults.


Need help sourcing compliant packaging? Arvida works directly with ASTM-certified suppliers.


No Cartoons, Candy, or Characters

FDACS has banned any packaging that could appeal to minors. This includes:


  • Cartoon imagery

  • Animal or human characters

  • Candy-resembling shapes or colors


This rule aims to eliminate confusion between hemp products and conventional sweets/snacks—particularly among children.


Clear, Household-Based Serving Sizes

Serving sizes must now be expressed in standard household units (e.g., teaspoons, drops, pieces), not vague measurements like “dose” or “portion.”


QR Codes Must Link to COAs in ≤ 3 Steps

Every product must feature a QR code that leads to a Certificate of Analysis (COA), and that process has to take three clicks or fewer. If it takes users on a scavenger hunt, it’s noncompliant.


COA & Ingredient Standards

Accurate lab testing has always been important but now it’s mandatory.


Required COA Information:


  • Contact information for the testing lab

  • The total concentration of delta-9 THC (not just percentage)

  • Confirmation that the product is free from prohibited substances, heavy metals, microbials, and mycotoxins


No Banned Color Additives FDACS now prohibits the use of certain color additives, particularly those used to make products more visually appealing to children. If you're using food coloring or dyes, it's time to double-check compliance.


Flower Moisture Content

Hemp flower must now have a water activity level of 0.60 ± 0.05. This helps prevent microbial growth and ensures long-term shelf stability.


Packaging Clarification: Aluminum Cans

If you're selling hemp-infused beverages, this is key: aluminum cans are allowed, but only if they meet child-resistance criteria and haven’t been modified to make them easier to open.


That means no pop-tops, resealable lids, or altered seams unless they pass ASTM certification. If your cans don’t meet that bar, you could face immediate enforcement.


Enforcement Context: Why This Matters

This isn’t the state’s first hemp crackdown. These changes follow the 2023 passage of Senate Bill 1676, which kicked off a statewide compliance initiative. Since then:


  • FDACS uncovered over 726,000 illegal hemp packages

  • Conducted 700+ inspections across all 67 Florida counties

  • Removed 83,000+ products from shelves that were euphoric, high-potency, or marketed to children


These are not idle threats. FDACS has been actively enforcing these standards since 2023—and June 16 marks the next phase.



How Arvida Labs Can Help


Compliance is complex. We make it simple.


At Arvida Labs, we’ve built our services around precision, safety, and adaptability. Whether you need compliant product formulation, COA management, or Florida-specific packaging updates, we’ve got you covered.


Before June 16, we recommend:


  • Auditing all packaging for ASTM and marketing compliance

  • Verifying that every COA meets the updated labeling requirements

  • Removing or relabeling any products that could be considered attractive to children


Need help with any of the above?

Let’s talk. Reach out at info@arvidalabs.com



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