Miami

Broward Considering New Marijuana Ordinance

Broward County may be following in Miami-Dade's footsteps when it comes to pot possession. A little more than a week after Miami-Dade started exploring the idea of issuing fines for people who have marijuana, the Broward commission is now looking into it as well.

Like Miami-Dade, the proposed ordinance would not legalize or decriminalize marijuana possession in Broward county, but it would downgrade the potential penalties for offenders and it could save taxpayers millions of dollars.

The Broward County Commission will hold its first vote on the issue on Tuesday. If five or more of the commissioners approve it, a law will be drafted for another vote later this fall.

Broward County would follow several other local governments currently considering relaxing marijuana laws.

A Miami-Dade County proposal, set to be voted on next month, would give police officers the option to issue fines or community service hours to offenders carrying 20 grams or less, instead of facing a criminal arrest. Hallandale Beach and Miami Beach are also looking into the idea.

Broward Sheriff Scott Israel says he supports the idea of civil citation. In a letter to the county commission, the sheriff touted the success of a juvenile civil citation program as an example. The move could also save taxpayers millions in court and processing costs.

Broward County Mayor Tim Ryan said he would like the local cities to weigh in first, but said the plan could be an effective way to cut incarceration costs.

"It wouldn’t be generating funding, but it would be trying to reduce the detention costs. I do know that it’s over $300 million that we spend on detention costs annually, so it’s a significant expense," he said.

Again, the vote in Broward County is scheduled for Tuesday, while votes in the other local municipalities are expected in the coming weeks.

Contact Us