JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Lighting up a cigarette or taking a puff from a vape on Jacksonville Beach will now cost you.
In a unanimous vote Monday night, the Jacksonville Beach City Council passed a new ordinance banning smoking and vaping on the beach — a move praised by residents and public health advocates during public comments.
The ordinance, which went into effect immediately, prohibits the use of tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, as well as electronic nicotine devices like e-cigarettes, vape pens, and other electronic smoking tools. The updated definition of “smoking” was expanded to include these devices in order to close potential loopholes.
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Violators will face a $50 fine for smoking on the sand. Those who refuse to sign the citation will be hit with an additional $200 penalty and may appeal the citation in a hearing — for an extra fee.
The initiative gained momentum after a former mayor of neighboring Atlantic Beach challenged Jacksonville Beach leaders to align with nearby coastal communities that already restrict beach smoking. Jacksonville Beach Mayor Chris Hoffman noted there was no significant opposition to the proposal during discussions.
Supporters of the ordinance cited health concerns, environmental impact, and community cleanliness as reasons for backing the ban.
Jacksonville Beach now joins a growing number of Florida communities taking steps to protect their public spaces from secondhand smoke and tobacco-related litter.