Miami Beach has banned the smoking of cigarettes and other tobacco products on public beaches and parks starting Jan. 1. Here’s what to know about the new law.
WHAT MOTIVATED THE CHANGE?
The Miami Beach law comes after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill in June allowing cities and counties to regulate smoking of tobacco products at beaches and parks.
Cigarette butts are “by far” the most common item polluting the city’s beaches, parks and waterways, City Attorney Rafael Paz said in a memo. They’re difficult to clean up and contain toxic chemicals and microplastics that have a negative impact on the environment.
#NoFilter! Effective January 1, 2023, the City of Miami Beach has banned cigarette smoking and other tobacco products from public beaches and parks as per Ordinance 2022-4509.
— City of Miami Beach (@MiamiBeachNews) December 20, 2022
Let’s all do our part to keep our beautiful city clean. pic.twitter.com/m2KhJsj4UJ
Read more from our news partner at The Miami Herald.