Florida Bans Smoking on Beaches and in Parks

Monroe County, which encompasses the Florida Keys, has passed a new law banning smoking on several of its beaches and in its parks. The ordinance, approved unanimously and without discussion by the Monroe County Commissioners in August, prohibits smoking any lighted tobacco product on county-owned beaches and parks, with the exception of unfiltered cigars.

The ban, which went into effect immediately after the commission’s August 17 meeting, carries a fine of up to $100 for a first violation. However, the county is only allowed to ban tobacco products, meaning that vaping and smoking medical marijuana are still permitted since they are not addressed in the statute, according to county spokeswoman Kristen Livengood.

It’s important to note that the ban does not apply to all beaches in the Florida Keys. The city of Key West, for example, still allows smoking on its beaches, including the popular Smathers Beach on South Roosevelt Boulevard. Additionally, the state-controlled Fort Zachary Historic State Park in Key West allows smoking outdoors.

Environmental and Health Concerns Drive the Decision

The smoking ban was driven by concerns about both the environment and public health. The ordinance cites the deadly dangers of secondhand smoke and emphasizes that children in parks and beaches have no choice but to inhale it.

Moreover, the ordinance highlights the fact that cigarette butts are the most common form of litter on the planet, with 4.5 trillion of the small plastic filters, which are packed with toxic chemicals, dumped outside every year. Cigarette filters, made of microplastics, are the most littered item worldwide and the number 1 type of plastic litter on beaches.

These plastic butts take years to degrade, and even then, they can remain harmful. According to the National Ocean Service, “The fibers in cigarette filters behave just like plastics in our oceans, the UV rays from our sun may break the fibers down into smaller pieces, but they don’t disappear. One solid filter ends up being thousands of tiny microplastics.”

Statewide Changes and Local Reactions

Until July 2022, the state of Florida did not allow counties and cities to ban smoking at parks and beaches. However, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill over the summer to change that, paving the way for Monroe County’s new ordinance.

While the county’s Facebook page saw angry comments about the ban, with several people calling it government overreach, Commissioner Michelle Coldiron stated that the commission hasn’t received any complaints about the new smoking rules.

Miami Beach has also passed a similar smoking ban that is set to start on January 1, 2023.

Affected Areas and Enforcement

The new smoking ban covers only Monroe County-owned beaches and parks, including popular spots like Higgs Beach in Key West, the 21-acre oceanfront Harry Harris Park in Tavernier, Rowell’s Waterfront Park in Key Largo, and the small, secluded Boca Chica Beach on Geiger Key in the Lower Keys.

The county has no plans to actively patrol its beaches and parks for smokers, but anyone caught violating the ordinance could face a fine of up to $100 for the first offense and up to $500 for each subsequent violation.

Commissioner Coldiron explained, “It’s like any other of our ordinances. We’re not going to have a code person on the beach patrolling it. But we can put a sign out that says ‘No smoking.’ Most people will go ahead and follow that rule.”

If someone does light up a cigarette, they may be informed of the ban. If that doesn’t work, authorities could be called, Coldiron added.

As the Florida Keys continue to balance environmental protection, public health, and personal freedoms, the new smoking ban represents a significant step towards reducing litter and minimizing the harmful effects of secondhand smoke in the county’s beloved public spaces.

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.