The Florida House on Wednesday gave final approval to a bill that would regulate the sale of electronic cigarettes and raise the state’s legal age to use tobacco and vaping products from 18 to 21.
House members voted 103-13 to approve the bill (SB 1080), which passed the Senate on Monday. It is now ready to go to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The House version was sponsored by Tampa Rep. Jackie Toledo.
The passage comes despite opposition from some major health groups. That opposition stems, at least in part, from the bill seeking to prevent local regulations on such things as the marketing and sale of tobacco and vaping products.
Backers of the proposals, however, have said they would help with enforcement of tobacco and vaping laws and that preemption of local regulations is needed because retailers could have multiple stores in different areas, which would make it hard to follow varying regulations and do business.