Smoking

From Florida’s failing tobacco policies to giant rodents munching lettuce, we cover the state’s public health challenges, community cleanups, street safety, and a cafe that's more about animal education than lattes.

The annual State of Tobacco Control rates states in five categories. Florida received F's in prevention and cessation funding, tobacco taxes, and flavored tobacco products, and C's in the other two.

The measure would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in a variety of places, such as streets, parks, beaches, government buildings, office buildings, lodging establishments and restaurants.

In Florida alone, smokers face nearly $3.8 million in lifetime costs — including cigarette purchases, health care, lost income and missed investment gains, according to a new report from WalletHub.

Low screening rates and the stigma of smoking mean many patients are diagnosed too late to benefit from treatments, according to Brenda Connolly of the American Lung Association and Moffitt Cancer Center.

The proposal adds marijuana to a series of outdoor public places where smoking tobacco is already banned.

Under the new ordinance, first-time offenders will be fined $100. There's a $200 fine for a second offense and a $300 fine for additional violations.

About 67% of 12th-graders said they hadn’t used alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes or e-cigarettes in the previous 30 days. That’s the largest percentage seen in an annual national survey.

There was a 20% drop in the estimated number of middle and high school students who recently used at least one tobacco product, including cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches and hookahs.

On this episode of "Florida Matters," we talk with experts from FAU and Moffitt Cancer Center about the health impacts of vaping — both on adults and youth.

On this episode of Florida Matters, we’ll talk with two experts about the health impacts of vaping — both on adults and youth.

Menthols are disproportionately used by Black smokers and young people. Supporters of the plan have tried to assure the White House that a ban will not hurt the president's reelection chances.