Florida cities tighten vaping bans in public beaches and schools

The St. Augustine Beach City Commission approved a measure that prohibits smoking and vaping on the city’s beaches, the Ocean Pier and all municipal parks, aligning the local rules with St. Johns County’s 2025 ban. Mayor Beth Sweeny noted the move also classifies e‑cigarettes as litter, while unfiltered cigars remain exempt under state law.

In Brevard County, the public‑school system is installing vape‑detecting sensors that resemble standard smoke detectors in high‑school bathroom ceilings. The devices, equipped with molecular sensors, send real‑time alerts to administrators and security when vaping is detected. School Board Chair Matt Susin said the initiative aims to keep facilities safe and accessible for students, many of whom have been caught vaping in restrooms.

Both actions reflect a broader local effort in Florida to curb vaping among residents and students by expanding bans and deploying detection technology.