HB 1029 - Tobacco 21 Act Summary

• Raises the minimum legal age to purchase, possess, and use tobacco products from 18 to 21 years old throughout Florida law

• Changes shipping documentation requirements to state that tobacco products cannot be shipped to individuals under 21 and implements stricter age verification procedures for mail and internet sales

• Removes driver license penalties for tobacco-related offenses under age 18 and deletes provisions allowing community service participants to be considered state employees

• Defines electronic smoking devices (e-cigarettes, vape pens, e-hookahs) as tobacco products subject to the same age restrictions and sales regulations

• Establishes penalties for violations, including noncriminal violations with fines and community service requirements; repeals section 877.112 regarding nicotine product restrictions; effective October 1, 2018