On Wednesday, February 19, Sheriff Chad Chronister addressed the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissions just before the BOCC unanimously voted to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana throughout the county.
Anyone found in possession of fewer than 20 grams of marijuana will now be issued a civil citation rather than face a misdemeanor charge.
“I commend and thank Commissioner Les Miller and all of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners who worked with us to create fair enforcement and less financially burdensome penalties in regards to marijuana possession. Having consistent enforcement all throughout Hillsborough County is vital. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the city of Tampa, Temple Terrace, Plant City or in Unincorporated Hillsborough County, the same rules will now apply across the board,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “This ordinance allows our Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office to focus our resources on arresting and prosecuting violent offenders.”
An individual can receive up to four civil citations before facing a criminal charge for marijuana possession. After a third citation, violators are required to attend drug screening, an education or treatment program.
February 19, 2020
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