Florida Considers Higher Tobacco Buying Age

Lawmakers introduced legislation that would raise the legal smoking age to 21.

December 22, 2017

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida lawmakers are debating whether to raise the state’s tobacco purchase age from 18 to 21, WFTV reports. This week, legislators introduced similar bills in both houses.

Florida Sen. David Simmons, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, sees the measure as a way to lower the number of youth lighting up. “Between the ages of 18 and 21 is when most individuals become addicted to tobacco products, particularly smoking,” he said.

Opponents pointed out that 18 year olds can marry, serve in the military and vote, so they also should have the right to decide on smoking. Simmons countered that regulation of tobacco is similar to prohibitions on alcohol consumption for those under 21. “There’s some common sense to this, and when you look at it in the proper perspective, it’s not the kind of thing that is so dramatic,” he said. “Other states have already done it.”

More than 270 localities in 18 states have 21 as the minimum buying age for tobacco products. In New York, more communities are voting to raise the smoking age to 21. Five states have a higher tobacco buying age of 21: California, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey and Oregon. For more, read “Must Be 21 to Buy” in NACS Magazine.

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