JUPITER, Fla. — Visitors to Florida beaches may not be allowed to smoke at the beach starting later this year. This week a state senator filed a bill banning tobacco on public beaches.
Sen. Joe Gruters, whose district includes Sarasota County, filed a bill on Wednesday trying to halt anyone from smoking tobacco on a public beach in Florida.
Senate Bill 218doesn't include specific language about vaping, but if it passes it would go into effect July 1.
You could be punished with a fine up to $25 for first time violators or 10 hours of community service if you light up anywhere near the beach.
This isn't the first time someone has tried to snuff out smoking on the beach in Florida.
In 2017, a law that banned smoking at Sarasota County beaches for five years was tossed by a judge who declared it unconstitutional.
Florida isn't alone in trying to ban cigarettes on the beach. New Jersey recently banned smoking on its public beaches and is fining violators $250.
BANNING THE BUTTS! You may not be allowed to smoke at the beach starting later this year because of a new bill filed by a Florida senator this week. I'll have details live for you all morning on @WPTV and @FOX29WFLX ! #smokingban #nomorebutts What do you think of such a ban? pic.twitter.com/4JIzkSjiYW
— Alanna Quillen (@AlannaWPTV) January 3, 2019