Indian Rocks Beach, FL – Indian Rocks Beach officials are considering restrictions on smoking and vaping along the shoreline to address cigarette litter, secondhand smoke and environmental concerns.
The City Commission is scheduled to hold a final reading Tuesday on an ordinance prohibiting cigarettes, filtered cigars and electronic vaping devices in beach areas.
The proposed rules would apply to the sand and dunes. Smoking is already prohibited in city parks.
Commissioners approved the ordinance on first reading in August.
The final hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. September 8 at the Indian Rocks Beach Civic Auditorium, located at 1507 Bay Palm Boulevard.
Mayor Lan Vaughan said cigarette butts regularly remain in the sand because beach-cleaning equipment cannot collect all of the small waste.
Officials have also raised concerns about discarded filters reaching sewer systems and exposing visitors to secondhand smoke.
Local cleanup volunteers have identified cigarette butts as one of the most common types of trash collected along the beach.
Cigarette filters contain plastic that can break into smaller particles and remain in the environment.
The ordinance would require signs informing visitors about the restrictions at beach entrances.
Unfiltered cigars would remain permitted because Florida law does not allow cities and counties to prohibit them at public beaches or parks.
State lawmakers expanded local authority over beach and park smoking regulations in 2022.
Municipalities may also adopt additional restrictions covering vaping devices.
Repeat violations could carry penalties of up to $500 or 60 days in jail. City leaders said the goal is compliance.
If approved, Indian Rocks Beach would join Clearwater, Treasure Island and Gulfport in restricting smoking on public beaches.