Jacksonville Beach City Council Approves Smoking Ban for Public Parks

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — The Ordinance 2023-8189 says the ban includes tobacco products and vaping devices.

A state bill passed in the summer of 2022 allowed local governments to decide if they want a smoking ban.

Atlantic Beach was the first municipality in Duval County to ban smoking in October 2022 which allows police to issue a $75 ticket to violators.

However, this ban in the City of Jacksonville Beach is only designated for public park areas including South Beach Park, Sunshine Playground, Paws Dog Park, Oceanfront Park, Gonzales Park, and the Seawalk Pavilion.

The ordinance also clarifies rules for keeping dogs on leashes and under their owner’s control within park areas.

As of yet, there are no monetary fines for smoking in public parks, however, if reported by other parkgoers for smoking, the violators will be asked to leave the premises or dispose of their tobacco products.