Officials in two South Florida counties are moving forward with fines for misdemeanor marijuana possession, rather than arrests and criminal charges.
County commissioners in Broward and Palm Beach counties both gave preliminary approval Tuesday for ordinances that would allow law enforcement officers to issue civil citations instead of filing criminal charges against people carrying 20 grams or less of marijuana. Florida state law makes misdemeanor marijuana possession punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
A public hearing has been set for Oct. 20 in Palm Beach County and Nov. 10 in Broward County.
Miami-Dade County and the city of West Palm Beach have approved similar ordinances.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
