SARASOTA, FL – Today Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new law to allow local governments to ban smoking on Florida beaches. This comes after the Legislature passed the bill in March. Ocean Conservancy, the nation’s oldest marine conservation non-profit organization, was a big advocate for achieving this effort. The following statement was issued by Jon Paul “J.P.” Brooker, director of Florida Conservation at Ocean Conservancy:

“This is a significant step in the right direction to protect the health and well being of Florida beaches and our precious seas and wildlife. Cigarette butts, while small, have a devastating effect on our environment. Made of tightly packed plastic fibers, the butts erode into smaller bits and accumulate in fish and other organisms. This hurts our seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals, and it also hurts human health when people consume sick fish.

For the past 31 years and counting, cigarette butts have been the most commonly found item on Florida beaches during Ocean Conservancy’s annual International Coastal Cleanup. It is exciting that local government leaders now have the right and opportunity to eliminate this unnecessary problem that has damaged our environment for far too long.”

Sarasota Republican Sen. Joe Gruters sponsored SB224 and Rep. Randy Fine, a Palm Bay Republican, filed the companion bill HB 105. Gruters stressed the need to protect the health of Florida beaches, which are also the economic engine for tourism in the state. Gruters noted that vacation sites, like Dr. Beach, give points for bans on smoking. The new law will go into effect on July 1, 2022.

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Jon Paul “J.P.” Brooker is available for virtual interviews and in-person interviews upon request.

About Ocean Conservancy

Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit http://www.oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.