In an effort to combat one of the leading causes of preventable death, Florida is intensifying its strategies and programs aimed at helping residents quit smoking. Historically, the state has faced criticism for inadequate funding, weak regulations, and failure to create restrictions on flavored tobacco products.
All of this has culminated in receiving three failing grades in the American Lung Association’s 22nd annual State of Tobacco report.
According to data from the Florida Department of Health, about 13% of all Floridians smoke tobacco products. To help bring this number down, the state is adopting a comprehensive approach that includes legislative actions, enhanced support services, and greater access to quit-smoking products. Below is a closer look at what these initiatives entail.
Legislative actions
In November 2023, Democratic state Representative Marie Woodsen initiated smoking bans in public spaces by filing a proposal to prohibit smoking or vaping within state parks. Before the proposal, the state park system followed the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act, only barring smoking inside buildings, cites CBS News. Early this year, the measure was backed by the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and met approval in the Senate. Fines will start at $100 for the first violation and jump to $500 for each subsequent offense.
Furthermore, in April 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation intending to crack down on the sale of unauthorized vapes. Beginning in March 2025, manufacturers selling prohibited products in Florida will face a $1,000 daily fine for each such product until it’s removed from the market. This stricture will also apply to retailers, wholesalers, and distributors who ship products into the state.
Enhanced support services
Florida is also bolstering its cessation efforts to ensure that help is readily accessible to those who seek it. The Florida Quitline, a toll-free telephone service, provides free counseling and support 24/7. Callers can receive personalized quit plans, guidance on nicotine replacement therapies, and follow-up calls to track progress. This service has been a cornerstone of the state’s cessation initiatives for more than 15 years, resulting in well over $17.7 billion in savings in smoking-related healthcare costs across the state.
In addition, Tobacco Free Florida expanded its cessation services in 2022, introducing Group Quit and Virtual Group Quit sessions led by a trained local specialist. These classes are part of the Quit Your Way Program and are available in all 67 counties in both English and Spanish.
Greater access to quit-smoking products
As Florida continues to work towards decreasing statewide tobacco use, smoking alternatives and quit-smoking products have gained traction as a viable pathway toward cessation. Among the most popular alternatives are nicotine pouches from brands such as Rogue, Sesh+, and ZYN. Per Business Insider, sales of ZYN nicotine pouches have spiked, leading to shortages in some states, including Florida.
Nicotine pouches have found favor among individuals wanting to quit smoking cigarettes as they provide a convenient and discreet way to satisfy nicotine cravings without the harmful effects of combustion. Additionally, the variety of flavors caters to a myriad of taste preferences. As demonstrated by retailer Prilla, nicotine pouch flavors from top brands include wintergreen, mint, citrus, coffee, and more. These pouches also come in different strengths ranging from 3mg to 12mg, allowing former smokers to gradually taper down their nicotine intake until they can eventually quit.
Alternatively, smokers can begin their cessation journey with the use of Champix, a prescription quit-smoking medication. As discussed in a previous article, this pharmacotherapy contains varenicline, which can help eliminate the urge to smoke and mitigate withdrawal symptoms.
Despite the progress, Florida recognizes that there is still work to be done. The Sunshine State plans to continue investing in smoking cessation programs and exploring innovative solutions to reach more residents.
To stay updated on local news, visit the South Florida Reporter website.
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