Florida County Council Approves Measure Restricting E-Cigarette Shops Near Schools

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Dec.25.2023
Florida County Council Approves Measure Restricting E-Cigarette Shops Near Schools
Hillsborough County Council in Florida has approved a measure barring e-cigarette shops near schools.

According to a report by Fox 13 News, the Hillsborough County Council in Florida took a step on Wednesday by approving a measure that prohibits e-cigarette-related stores from opening near schools.

 

According to reports from Florida, county council members in Hillsborough County took a step closer on Wednesday to approving a measure that would no longer allow e-cigarette-related shops to operate near schools.

 

A proposed regulation is seeking to impose a 180-day ban on commercial activities related to e-cigarettes within a 500-foot radius of schools, where at least 20% of the goods are associated with these products. "It is difficult to come up with a valid reason for wanting to establish an e-cigarette shop near a school," stated Michael Owen, a council member from Hillsborough County who introduced the ordinance.

 

According to county government data, there are approximately 200 such commercial activities within 500 feet of schools in Hillsborough County. This proposal will not affect the already operating shops or apply to convenience stores, but it will impact newly opening establishments.

 

I was taken aback to see so many shops near the school, as I expected far fewer. Unfortunately, dealing with the already established ones has proved difficult for us, as they opened prior to the revision of land development codes," said Owen.

 

The education authorities in Hillsborough County reported earlier this year that over 60% of high school students in the county have tried or are currently using e-cigarettes.

 

Members of parliament recently considered a similar plan, but had to postpone it due to the need to wait for state regulations to be rescinded. Now that it has happened, they are reevaluating this concept.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Six Years of Data Show FDA Clearing PMTA Backlog
Six Years of Data Show FDA Clearing PMTA Backlog
FDA data from FY2020 to FY2025 show how the PMTA system for e-cigarette products evolved after an early surge of submissions created prolonged front-end delays. Millions of applications accumulated at the Acceptance stage before entering substantive review. Since 2023, the number of applications pending acceptance has declined sharply, and industry participants report shorter initial decision timelines in late 2025.
Feb.06
Australian Border Force Deputy Commissioner Meets China Tobacco Regulator as Illicit Tobacco Enforcement Intensifies
Australian Border Force Deputy Commissioner Meets China Tobacco Regulator as Illicit Tobacco Enforcement Intensifies
ABF Deputy Commissioner Tim Fitzgerald visited Beijing for talks with China’s STMA. The meeting follows several exchanges between Australian enforcement agencies and China’s tobacco regulator in recent years. The discussions come as Australia intensifies efforts to combat illicit tobacco and vaping products, including large seizures at the border, while the country’s strict tobacco and vape policies continue to spark debate over their impact on the growth of black markets.
Mar.09
Azerbaijan moves to fine and confiscate e-cigarettes across supply chain; full ban expected April 1, 2026
Azerbaijan moves to fine and confiscate e-cigarettes across supply chain; full ban expected April 1, 2026
Azerbaijan is considering administrative penalties for the use, import, export, production, wholesale and retail sale, and storage for sale of e-cigarettes, including confiscation of products. The proposed amendments were discussed at a parliamentary committee meeting. The draft sets fine ranges for individuals, officials, and legal entities, and introduces a separate fine for vaping in prohibited places and public areas.
Feb.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Michigan Senate Bill 786 Seeks to Ban Sale of Vapes With Metal Heating Elements
Michigan Senate Bill 786 Seeks to Ban Sale of Vapes With Metal Heating Elements
Michigan lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 786 on February 18, 2026, proposing to prohibit the sale or transfer of vapor products that contain heating elements unless those elements are made of or encased in glass or ceramic materials
Regulations
Feb.21
Iowa Targets Smoking Products With Tax Plan: Cigarettes to National Average, 15% Tax on Vapes and Consumable Hemp
Iowa Targets Smoking Products With Tax Plan: Cigarettes to National Average, 15% Tax on Vapes and Consumable Hemp
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds is proposing higher taxes on cigarettes and new taxes on vaping and consumable hemp products, arguing tobacco use is a key driver of lung cancer. The proposal comes as University of Iowa researchers release preliminary findings suggesting Iowa’s late-stage lung cancer burden is higher—and improving more slowly—than in neighboring states.
Feb.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Canadian Border Officers Seize Contraband Worth CAD 4.5 Million at Point Edward Crossing
Canadian Border Officers Seize Contraband Worth CAD 4.5 Million at Point Edward Crossing
The Canada Border Services Agency said border officers at the Point Edward port of entry in Sarnia, Ontario, seized more than CAD 4.5 million worth of illegal tobacco and nicotine vapes over a seven-day period. The agency said the contraband was entering Canada from the United States and described the seizure as part of ongoing efforts to prevent illegal products from entering the country and disrupt organized crime.
Mar.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai