Bill would hike smoking, vaping age from 18 to 21 in Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The minimum age for Floridians to possess tobacco and vaping products that deliver nicotine would rise from 18 to 21 under legislation approved by a state House committee.

The measure that cleared the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday would also establish 21 as the minimum age for smokable forms of medical marijuana. Members of the military would be exempt from the age restrictions.

Sponsors say the bill would improve public health and reduce government costs of treating cancer, heart disease and other smoking-related illnesses. They say the health effects of vaping are largely unknown and that the practice could lead young people to tobacco.

The vaping industry and some health groups say it can help people quit or avoid smoking tobacco.

A similar bill is moving in the Senate.