Gov. Ron DeSantis signed SB 1080 on Friday, raising the state’s legal age for purchasing nicotine or tobacco to 21, to align with federal law.
In 2019, Congress passed legislation raising the federal age limit to 21. Earlier that year, similar measures were debated in the Florida Legislature.
The Florida House passed SB 1080 in a 103-13 April vote The bill drew criticism from some health groups, partly because it prevents local regulations involving the sale and marketing of nicotine products.
The law will become effective on Oct. 1, according to a statement from the bill’s sponsor, State Rep. Jackie Toledo, R-Tampa.
“This legislation is a step in the right direction, demonstrating Florida’s commitment to work with regulators and stakeholders to combat underage use,” she said in the statement.