John Michael Pierobon and Stephen P. Leatherman, 2023. “Coastal Forum: Smoke-free beaches in Florida”, Shore & Beach, 91(1), 60-63.
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https://doi.org/10.34237/1009115
Smoke-free beaches in Florida
John Michael Pierobon (1) and Stephen P. Leatherman (2)
1) Vice-chair of the Tobacco-Free Partnership of Broward County, Florida
2809 North Atlantic Boulevard,Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
2) Department of Earth & Environment,
Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199
Beach tourism is often the most important source of revenue for coastal communities, and surveys have shown that the foremost requirements for beachgoers are clean sand and clean water. Beach litter is harmful and costly in many ways, and the No. 1 form of litter on U.S. beaches is cigarette butts. Campaigns for smoke-free beaches have been based largely on environmental issues and aesthetics, but there are other important reasons. Hawaii was the first state to ban smoking on beaches. This paper presents the rationale for Florida cities and counties to adopt smoke-free policies for one of their most important natural resources and recreational destinations.