Palm Bay passes marijuana ordinance, sets civil penalties for low-level offenders

The Space Coast’s largest city has followed Cocoa Beach’s lead in decriminalizing low-level marijuana possession and drug paraphernalia offenses. Thursday night, the Palm Bay City Council created civil penalties for suspects facing charges of possessing up to 20 grams of marijuana or drug paraphernalia. Both offenses are first-degree misdemeanors, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine plus court costs.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Since 2018, Palm Bay officers have handled 780 incidents involving possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
• Cocoa Beach adopted a similar marijuana ordinance in March.
• A similar ordinance has been adopted in multiple communities throughout Florida.

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