Florida Environmental Committee Supports Measures to Regulate Smoking in State Parks

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai

Jan.22.2024

Florida Environmental Committee Supports Measures to Regulate Smoking in State Parks

Florida's Environment and Natural Resources Committee supports fines of $100 for first-time violations of smoking and vaping bans in state parks.

According to a report by WUSF, the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission of the state of Florida has given its support to a proposal put forth by Chairperson Ana Maria Rodriguez. Under this measure, a first-time violation will be subject to a fine of $100, with subsequent violations incurring fines of $500.

On Wednesday, a Senate committee approved a proposal to ban smoking and vaping e-cigarettes in state parks.

Most state park systems in Florida follow the Clean Indoor Air Act, which prohibits smoking inside buildings. However, Ellie R. Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park stands as an exception, as smoking is prohibited within the premises. The park is regarded as a "congested area" due to its layout and high number of visitors.

The bill will next be presented to the Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Appropriations. A similar bill (HB 495) in the House has not yet undergone committee hearings. In 2022, lawmakers passed a measure allowing municipalities to restrict smoking on their owned beaches and parks.

References:

[1] Florida Senate panel backs a ban on smoking and vaping in state parks

Also Read:

[1] Florida Introduces Sniffer Dogs to Combat E-cigarette Usage in Schools

[2] WWE Star Liv Morgan Arrested for Marijuana Possession

[3] 25 Cities in Florida to Ban Smoking and E-cigarettes in Parks and Recreation Areas

[4] Lawsuit Accuses JUUL Labs of Misleading Marketing towards Children

#North America #United States #Legislation #Open system e-cigarettes

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