It's not the best report card, but Florida is doing better than other states when it comes to reducing tobacco use, according to the American Lung Association.
The organization's 24th annual State of Tobacco Control grades states and the federal government on policies and laws designed to protect the public from harmful tobacco use in five categories:
- Prevention and cessation funding.
- Smoke-free air.
- Tobacco taxes.
- Access to cessation services.
- Flavored tobacco products.
Florida received C's in smoke-free air and access to cessation services, and F's in the other three categories.
The state's grades are almost the same as last year's, with the only change being an improvement in the access to cessation services, which moved from a D to a C.
FLORIDA'S GRADES: Read the State of Tobacco Control report card for 2026
While these results may seem alarming, officials said there's more to it than meets the eye.
Thomas Carr, director of nationwide policy with the lung association, commended state lawmakers on their efforts to allocate funds to Tobacco Free Florida, the state's tobacco control program.
"It's less concerning than it looks," he said. "I think Tobacco Free Florida does a good job with the funds they're given."
While the annual allocation of these funds is required by the Florida Constitution, it still falls short of the federally recommended amount.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends $194.2 million be spent annually on tobacco control programs in Florida.
This year, Tobacco Free Florida will receive about $93 million from the state and federal governments, less than half of the CDC target.
However, Carr said, the existence of the program places Florida ahead of other states whose programs had to be disbanded due to federal budget cuts.
"The CDC provides grants to all 50 states, and those were delayed, so some states had to furlough their staff," he said. "But Florida was in a different situation; they have a good amount of state money."
But, he said, there's still room for improvement.
"For example, cigars are completely exempt from tobacco taxes," Carr said. "There's a lack of regulation that could be something to watch."
And efforts to enact stricter tobacco regulations in the state have had mixed results. During the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers filed multiple tobacco and vaping bills, but none passed.
Carr suggested other stronger policies where Florida could improve its grades.
"One area for improvement would be better Medicaid coverage for tobacco cessation treatments," he said. "Another one is reinstating local control of tobacco so that communities can regulate tobacco products again and be able to improve the smoke-free air grade."
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