Florida Lawmakers Consider Statewide Ban on Smoking and Vaping in Public Spaces
By Space Coast Daily // February 10, 2026
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – A new bill filed in the Florida Legislature would significantly expand restrictions on smoking and vaping across the state, prohibiting their use in public areas and indoor workplaces.
House Bill 389 (HB 389) proposes a statewide ban on smoking and vaping as part of a broader effort to protect residents from the health risks associated with secondhand tobacco and marijuana smoke and vapor.
Supporters of the legislation say the measure is designed to improve public health and create safer environments for workers and the general public.
The bill amends multiple sections of the Florida Statutes to formally establish the Florida Health Initiative, as outlined in the State Constitution. Under the proposal, smoking and vaping would be barred in a wide range of shared spaces, expanding beyond current limitations that primarily focus on enclosed indoor workplaces.
Lawmakers backing the bill argue that exposure to secondhand smoke and vapor has been linked to respiratory issues and other health concerns, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with preexisting conditions.
While the legislation broadens restrictions, it explicitly states that its intent is not to interfere with medical research or smoking cessation programs authorized by the Florida Department of Health.
Those exemptions are intended to ensure that public health initiatives and scientific studies can continue without disruption.
HB 389 will be reviewed by legislative committees during the current session, where lawmakers are expected to debate its potential impact on businesses, workers, and public spaces statewide. If approved, the bill would mark one of the most comprehensive smoking and vaping restrictions in Florida’s history.
