News Summary
Despite a new Florida law aimed at restricting illegal vape products to protect children, enforcement in Jacksonville is virtually nonexistent. Investigative reports show that banned vape products remain available in local shops since the law’s enactment. With no penalties issued, former senator Keith Perry’s concerns grow over the lack of action by the Attorney General’s office, raising questions about the law’s effectiveness and accountability for retailers.
Jacksonville – A new state law in Florida that aims to restrict illegal vape products and safeguard children has seen little enforcement in Jacksonville. Despite the law being enacted on March 1, investigative reports reveal that banned vape products continue to be available for sale in every smoke shop visited in the area.
The law allows for penalties of up to $1,000 for each illegal product sold per day, as well as potential first-degree misdemeanor charges for knowingly selling these banned items. The responsibility for defining which products are illegal falls to the Office of Attorney General, which has yet to take action in Jacksonville and neighboring counties, including Duval, Nassau, Clay, and St. Johns.
Public records indicate that since the law’s enactment, no citations or fines have been issued within these counties. This lack of enforcement has drawn frustration from former state senator Keith Perry, who was instrumental in sponsoring the legislation. Despite overwhelming support in the legislature—passing unanimously in the Senate with only five dissenting votes in the House—local adherence remains lacking.
Concerns regarding enforceability were raised by State Representative Angie Nixon, who opposed the law due to doubts about the capabilities of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), the agency tasked with its enforcement. The DBPR has not reported any fines or penalties since the law came into effect, suggesting a significant gap in accountability.
In contrast to Florida, other regions have shown a commitment to enforcing similar laws. In Onslow County, North Carolina, for example, 17 clerks were charged for selling vape products to minors as part of an enforcement operation named “Operation Vape Zero.”
Efforts to gain transparency regarding enforcement in Florida have proven challenging. Action News Jax had to seek legal assistance to acquire public records related to the law’s enforcement status. Meanwhile, Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that additional resources are being sought to enhance enforcement capabilities. A forthcoming update will also include a new list of illegal vape products.
Locally, the City of Jacksonville has implemented its own ban on smoking and vaping at Jacksonville Beach, indicating a growing concern about public health and safety regarding vape product use. However, local vape shop owner Kairollos Mikhaeil expressed a lack of awareness concerning the bans on specific products he sells. He emphasized that enforcement efforts should primarily target underage buyers rather than product flavorings, suggesting a focus on youth access as the central issue.
While notices regarding banned products were sent to over 150 manufacturers, it remains uncertain whether individual shops received similar notifications about compliance. The apparent inconsistency in communication raises questions about the effectiveness of the law and the degree to which retailers are held accountable for the products they sell.
As the situation in Jacksonville continues to develop, the enforcement of the new vape law remains a pressing issue, with lawmakers, advocates, and the community watching closely to see if proactive measures will be taken to better protect young people from the dangers of illegal vape products.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jacksonville Beach Bans Smoking and Vaping
Florida Launches Office of Parental Rights to Support Schools
Jacksonville Launches Office of Parental Rights
Jacksonville Vape Shop Owner Calls for Parental Engagement Amid New Regulations
Additional Resources
- Action News Jax: State Law on Illegal Vape Products
- News4Jax: Vape Shop Owner’s Perspective
- WITN: Operation Vape Zero Enforcement
- Wikipedia: Vaping
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vaporizer
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
