Fort Myers Beach officials are considering a new rule banning smoking and vaping in the town’s public parks and beaches.
Town Council on April 6 voted in favor of moving to a second public hearing and potential final adoption at 9 a.m. May 4.
If council members approve the ordinance, they would follow similar smoking and vaping bands instituted by Sanibel, Fort Myers and Lee County after Florida amended laws that used to prevent cities and counties from regulating smoking.
In 2022, state lawmakers approved an amendment allowing local governments to restrict smoking and vaping at public parks and beaches, except for unfiltered cigars. Advocates say the ordinances improve public health and protect the environment from smoking-related litter.