TAMPA -- Reacting to speakers who declared teen vaping an "epidemic," Hillsborough County Commissioners have called for a crackdown.
Commissioners have voted unanimously to raise the legal age for vaping from 18 to 21. Businesses won't be allowed to sell vaping products to those under 21, and individuals won't be allowed to buy, use or possess them. Fines are set from $25 to $100 and can double on the fourth offense. Those fines will be handled as civil citations.
One speaker at Wednesday's commisison meeting called teen vaping an epidemic. Parent and activist Ellen Snelling stated that instead of using e-cigarettes as a way to stop smoking, teens with no prior tobacco experience were resorting to vaping.
The ordinance also bans vaping in public places, including parks and playgrounds, and any public places where children might be.
Photo Credit: Hillsborough County Government