Mayor signs new Tampa pot ordinance
TAMPA (FOX 13) - Mayor Bob Buckhorn has signed a new marijuana ordinance for the city.
The ordinance effectively decriminalizes the possession of small amounts of marijuana. It was approved by the city council last week in a 5-to-1 vote.
Tampa police officers now have the option of imposing a civil fine instead of arresting offenders caught with up to 20 grams of pot. That's about three-fourths of an ounce.
Fines start at $75 and go up with each offense.
The program could start next month.