Florida’s Palm Coast Bans Smoking and Vaping in Public Parks and Trails
Palm Coast City Council has unanimously approved an ordinance prohibiting smoking and vaping in all city-owned public parks and trails. The measure, which passed 4-0 at its first reading on May 20th, aligns with the Florida Clean Air Act, a state law enacted in June 2024 that empowers municipalities to regulate smoking in public spaces.
The ordinance bans the use of cigarettes, pipe tobacco, filtered cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, snus, and all vaping products, including those containing marijuana. Unfiltered cigars are the only exception. Parks and Recreation Director James Hirst stated the primary goal is “to reduce public exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke.”
Tyrese Gaines, tobacco policy manager for Tobacco Free Florida, commended the council, calling the ordinance a “huge step.” Councilman Ty Miller expressed surprise that such a ban wasn’t already in place, citing instances of adults smoking at youth sports events in city parks. He emphasized the importance of protecting children from such exposure.
Enforcement will be handled by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, with penalties ranging from warnings to trespassing, determined by the city manager. Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri suggested that non-compliance by local sports organizations could lead to the revocation of their event permits. City staff will update park signage once the ordinance, which requires a second reading and vote on June 3rd, officially goes into effect. Neighboring Flagler County and Flagler Beach have passed similar ordinances.
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