Boca restrict electronic cigarette use

Add Boca Raton to the number of cities that are now restricting electronic cigarette use throughout the city.

In February, then-Deputy Mayor Constance Scott proposed an ordinance that would have instituted harsh penalties of up to 60 days in jail for offenders to smoking e-cigarettes in places where prohibited.

At that time, Council members chose to postpone voting on the ordinance as they still needed to “do their homework”.

The new ordinance that was passed in the City of Boca Raton on Tuesday, April 28 does not threaten jail time to the offender, however it does “recommend” a fine of up to $500 for those who are found vaping inside public places where it is now prohibited.

The ordinance does not however, prohibit e-cigarette use in private residences, stand-alone bars, retail tobacco or e-cigarette shops. In fact, it does not prohibit e-cigarettes anywhere within Boca Raton where tobacco smoking is permitted.

Based on provisions of the Florida Indoor Clean Air Act, local laws are in lieu of further direction from the Florida Legislature, it has at this time failed to act on statewide vaping regulation in public places.

After the ordinance with the new updates passed 4-1, Councilmember Scott Singer spoke to The Sun-Sentinel about the importance of this ordinance, “This current ordinance strikers the right balance and makes it clear that citizens are safe from excessive penalty.”