Smoking ban begins in Sarasota County parks and beaches

As of Oct. 1, smoking in all Sarasota County-owned parks and public beaches is banned. 

Ordinance 2023-01 amending Chapter 90, Article II, of the county code prohibits smoking and was approved by the Sarasota County Commission on July 1. 

The ordinance prohibits smoking at all county-owned beaches, beach access points, parks, natural areas and youth athletic and play areas. The ban, which is enabled by state statute, applies only to cigarettes and exempts, per the statute, unfiltered cigars. 

Citations for smoking in parks and on beaches could result in fines of up to $500 and imprisonment of up to 60 days.