No, Florida law prohibits vaping with minors in vehicles, effective July 1, 2023, under § 386.212 F.S., enforced by the Florida Department of Health. Local ordinances, such as Miami-Dade’s 2024 ban on smoking/vaping in cars with children under 18, amplify penalties. Violations may result in fines up to $100 for first offenses, escalating with repeat infractions.
Key Regulations for Vaping in a Car with Kids in Florida
- Statutory Ban: § 386.212 F.S. explicitly criminalizes vaping (or smoking) in a vehicle when a child under 18 is present, classifying it as a noncriminal traffic infraction.
- Local Ordinances: Counties like Broward and Palm Beach impose additional restrictions, including mandatory education programs for offenders, beyond state penalties.
- Enforcement Trends: The Florida Highway Patrol and local law enforcement prioritize roadside compliance checks, particularly in high-traffic areas near schools, with 2026 projections indicating stricter fines for repeat violations.
Violators face fines and potential mandatory attendance at tobacco cessation programs. Employers transporting minors (e.g., daycare drivers) must adhere to stricter workplace policies under OSHA-aligned Florida regulations.