Senate committee clears bill banning smoking and vaping in state parks

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources unanimously favored a bill Wednesday to prohibit smoking and vaping in state parks.

Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez, R-Doral, introduced SB 1576.

“Currently the Florida state park system follows the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act which prohibits smoking inside enclosed structures or in doorways immediately adjacent to them,” Rodriguez said. “While outdoors visitors of legal age are permitted to smoke, their waste must be properly disposed of.”

The Florida Legislature established the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act in 1985.

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Wildlife State Park, a congested area, is the only park in the state that bans smoking indoors and outdoors due to its layout and high visitation rate.

“Cigarette butts contain hazardous substances and contain plastic filters that are made of cellulose acetate, a type of plastic that can take up to a decade to decompose,” Rodriguez said. “Studies have shown these filters are toxic to children, marine life and animals when ingested.”

Sen. Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers, suggested to Rodriguez there be a carve out for campers.

“I know a lot of state parks do allow for camping and RVs and closed containers where individuals might, you know, pay 30 bucks to stay there,” Martin said.

Rodriguez acknowledged to working on an exception in her closing statement.

Rep. Marie Paule Woodson, D-Hollywood, filed an identical companion bill to SB 1576.

The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government will take up the bill next.