Florida vape shop owners fear bills will put them out of business

Florida vape shop owners are worried about the future of their industry, as two bills that would restrict the sale of vape products are moving forward in the state legislature. The bills, SB 1006 and HB 1007, would limit vape shops to only carry FDA-approved products, which are currently only 23 tobacco-flavored products made by Big Tobacco companies. The bills would also create a state registry for vape products and impose fines and penalties for violations.

Vape products, also known as e-cigarettes or electronic nicotine delivery systems, are devices that heat a liquid containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals, and produce an aerosol that users inhale. Vape products are marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, as they do not contain tar and other harmful substances found in tobacco smoke. Vape products are also used by some smokers as a way to quit or reduce their tobacco consumption.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are more than 9 million adult e-cigarette users in the U.S., and more than 3.6 million youth e-cigarette users. The CDC also states that e-cigarettes are not safe for youth, young adults, pregnant women, or adults who do not currently use tobacco products, and that e-cigarettes may expose users to harmful chemicals and metals. The CDC also warns about the potential health risks of e-cigarette use, such as lung injuries, nicotine addiction, and cardiovascular diseases.

Florida bills: A move to protect children and consumers?

The Florida bills, SB 1006 and HB 1007, are sponsored by Sen. Keith Perry and Rep. Toby Overdorf, respectively. The bills aim to protect children and consumers from unsafe and illegal vape products, and to curb the youth vaping epidemic in the state. The bills would require all vape products sold in Florida to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is the federal agency responsible for regulating tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.

The bills would also create a state registry for vape products, and require vape shops and online retailers to verify the age and identity of their customers. The bills would also impose fines and penalties for selling or possessing unapproved or counterfeit vape products, ranging from $250 to $25,000 per violation. The bills would also allow the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to inspect and enforce the regulations.

The bills have received support from various groups and organizations, such as the Florida Retail Federation, the Florida Attorney General’s Office, the American Cancer Society, and the American Lung Association. The supporters of the bills argue that the bills are necessary to protect the public health and safety, and to prevent the influx of illegal and dangerous vape products from China and other countries.

Florida vape shop owners: A threat to their livelihood and customers?

Florida vape shop owners are opposed to the bills, and claim that the bills will put them out of business and harm their customers. They argue that the bills will effectively ban all vape products except those made by Big Tobacco companies, which are the same companies that produce the deadly cigarettes that vape products are meant to replace. They also argue that the bills will deprive their customers of the choice and variety of flavors and products that they prefer and need to quit smoking.

According to the Florida Smoke Free Association, which represents more than 10,000 vape businesses in the state, the bills will result in the loss of more than 50,000 jobs and $1.2 billion in economic activity. The association also claims that the bills will create a black market for vape products, and drive consumers to buy unregulated and unsafe products online or from other states. The association also asserts that the bills will violate the rights and freedoms of adult consumers and business owners.

The association has been lobbying and protesting against the bills, and has been urging the lawmakers to consider alternative solutions, such as raising the age limit for buying vape products to 21, restricting the sale of vape products to adult-only stores, and enforcing the existing laws and regulations on vape products.

The future of the Florida bills: A matter of debate and vote?

The Florida bills, SB 1006 and HB 1007, are advancing in the state legislature, and are expected to face a floor vote soon. The bills have received bipartisan support and opposition, and have sparked a heated debate among the lawmakers, the stakeholders, and the public. The bills have also attracted national attention, as Florida is one of the largest and most influential states in the country, and its decision on vape products could have a significant impact on the vape industry and the vaping community.

The bills have also raised several questions and concerns, such as the role and authority of the FDA, the effectiveness and safety of vape products, the impact of vape products on public health and the environment, the rights and responsibilities of consumers and business owners, and the balance between regulation and innovation.