Sunny Isles Beach follows Florida’s statewide cannabis framework, which remains medical-only. Cannabis consumption is legal only for qualified medical marijuana patients and registered caregivers who are compliant with Florida law.

Public consumption is heavily restricted

Florida law does not grant medical marijuana patients the right to consume cannabis in public spaces. As a result, the safest and most legally sound place for consumption is private property where the patient has permission, such as a private residence.

In Sunny Isles Beach, local regulations further restrict public use. The city enforces strict no-smoking rules on the beach, meaning smoking cannabis on the sand is prohibited regardless of whether a person holds a valid medical marijuana card. These beach rules apply broadly and are enforced alongside other public safety regulations.

Smoking and vaping laws still apply

Even when cannabis is lawfully obtained, how it is consumed matters. Sunny Isles Beach treats vaping and e-cigarette use similarly to smoking in many restricted areas. This means vaping medical marijuana may also be prohibited in places where smoking is not allowed, including beaches, parks, and certain public spaces.

While Florida’s medical marijuana program authorizes various consumption methods—such as inhalation, oral products, and topicals—local ordinances and property policies can still limit use. Patients should not assume that medical authorization overrides local smoking or vaping restrictions.

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Hotels, condos, and HOAs can impose stricter rules

Sunny Isles Beach is home to many condominiums, resorts, and high-rise residential buildings, many of which enforce no-smoking or no-vaping policies. Florida law does not require landlords, hotels, employers, or homeowners’ associations to allow cannabis consumption on their premises.

As a result, a patient may be compliant with state medical marijuana laws but still violate a lease agreement, hotel policy, or HOA rule. These situations typically lead to civil consequences, such as fines, eviction, or removal from the property, rather than criminal charges.

Non-patients remain subject to criminal penalties

For individuals who are not registered Florida medical marijuana patients, cannabis possession and use remain illegal. Possession of small amounts of marijuana is still a criminal offense under state law, and consumption without medical authorization can result in arrest or citation.

Driving and impairment laws still apply

Medical marijuana authorization does not protect a patient from impaired-driving enforcement. Consuming cannabis in a vehicle or driving while impaired remains illegal, and law enforcement may pursue DUI charges regardless of patient status.

Key takeaway

In Sunny Isles Beach, lawful cannabis consumption is best understood as private, discreet, and permission-based. Public spaces—especially beaches, parks, and shared residential areas—are not legally safe places to consume cannabis, even for medical patients. Understanding both state law and local ordinances is essential to avoiding fines, citations, or other legal consequences.

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