Jacksonville Beach, FL Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)

Jacksonville Beach regulates outdoor smoking in two places. On the beach, § 6-45(r) says simply "No smoking" and defines smoking as inhaling, exhaling, burning, carrying, or possessing any lighted tobacco product, including cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, and any other lighted tobacco product. Because the definition includes carrying and possessing, a lit cigarette held in the hand is covered even if it is never puffed. The section cites F.S. § 386.209 for its one carve-out: smoking does not include the use of unfiltered cigars. Section 6-44 sets the beach boundary, from the easterly ocean bluff line west to the city limits. Section 6-46(a) separately forbids leaving cigarette butts, filters, and products containing tobacco or used for consuming tobacco products on the beach except in public trash receptacles.

In parks, § 20-13(c)(25) makes it unlawful to smoke tobacco products or use vapor-generating devices, and it defines smoking to include the active use of a vapor-generating device. Tobacco products there cover cigarettes, pipe tobacco, and any other lighted tobacco product except unfiltered cigars. The rule applies in the parks listed in § 20-13(a), including Oceanfront Park, Seawalk Pavilion and Latham Plaza, South Beach Park and Sunshine Playground, Paws Dog Park and Wingate Park, unless the city manager has issued specific authorization. Section 20-14(d)(1) goes further for the Jacksonville Beach Tennis Club: cigars, cigarettes, vapor, or e-cigarettes in any form are prohibited at the club and within twenty-five (25) feet of the exterior fencing.

Park enforcement runs through § 20-18. Park employees and law enforcement officers enforce the rules, and a violator can be ordered to leave all parks, beaches and recreation facilities for a minimum 48-hour period. The director or a law enforcement officer can order a violator to stay out for a period not exceeding six (6) months, and the violator is entitled to a special magistrate hearing if a written request reaches the director and city attorney within three (3) days.