TALLAHASSEE (WFLA News/ News Service of Florida) -- A State Senate Committee takes up a bill Tuesday to make the smoking age the same as the drinking age. Legislation moving at the capitol would increase the minimum smoking age in Florida from 18 to 21.
The proposal would also include E-cigarettes and similar devices. State statistics show nearly 25 percent of high schoolers currently vape. Military under age 21 would be exempted.
State Representative Jackie Toledo (R-Tampa) is sponsoring the measure in the House. She says 95 percent of smokers start the habit before age 21. "I am outraged... vaping has become socially acceptable and accessible..." Toledo said.
Opposition comes from Libertarian lawmakers, vape shop owners and others who say those aged 18 to 20 will likely continue smoking or using e-cigarettes illegally.
Another controversial portion of the House legislation would require medical marijuana patients under age 21 get approval from pediatricians, before smoking their medicine.
Several other states have raised the smoking age to 21.
Material from the News Service of Florida was used in this report.
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