The Florida Age Gate Act aims to enhance the regulation of nonapproved disposable nicotine dispensing devices by introducing a definition for such devices and requiring regular inspections of dealers by the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco and the Department of Law Enforcement. The bill revises penalties for unlawful sales and advertising, implementing a tiered fine structure based on the number of violations. It also mandates that collected administrative fines be allocated to improve enforcement efforts and public awareness campaigns targeting nicotine use among individuals under 21. Additionally, the bill restricts advertising locations for these devices to minimize visibility to youth and requires dealers to maintain sales records and submit specific information to the division.

The legislation further amends existing laws concerning penalties for dealers whose employees illegally sell nicotine products to individuals under 21. It allows for penalty mitigation if dealers meet certain conditions, such as being qualified responsible dealers and providing employee training. The bill also establishes that three violations within 180 days indicate a dealer's lack of due diligence. Moreover, dealers must provide instructional materials at checkout counters to verify the legal age of customers, with non-compliance resulting in administrative penalties. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 928 Filed: 569.33, 569.35, 569.39
S 928 c1: 569.33, 569.35, 569.39