Florida: St. Johns County Bans Smoking & Vaping at Parks, Beaches

St. Johns County, Florida, Vape Ban

St. Johns County, Florida, has officially banned smoking cigarettes and using vape pens in all county parks and on public beaches. The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the new rule on Tuesday, following advocacy from local students.

The initiative gained momentum after students from Washington Classical Christian School raised concerns about environmental hazards and youth exposure. Seventh-grader Charlotte Clay highlighted the dangers of discarded vape pens and cigarette butts, noting they could tempt younger children. Under the new ordinance, violations are punishable by a fine, and cigarette butts or e-cigarette paraphernalia are now classified as litter.

However, cigar smoking remains permitted due to a state-level exemption. While a 2022 Florida law empowered local governments to restrict cigarette smoking and vaping in these areas, it explicitly protected cigar smoking. Despite one resident’s opposition to increased enforcement, the measure received broad support, including from students at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind.

Matthew Ma
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