Federal Tobacco 21 law and Texas Health and Safety Code Section 161.082 prohibit selling tobacco, e-cigarettes, or vape products to anyone under 21. Fort Worth enforces compliance through Code Compliance and undercover sting operations.
The federal Tobacco 21 amendment to the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, enacted December 2019, raised the minimum sales age nationwide to 21 for cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarettes. Texas Health and Safety Code Section 161.082 mirrors this requirement, with a narrow exemption for active-duty military members 18 or older with valid military identification. Retailers must verify ID for any buyer appearing under 30. Sales to minors are a misdemeanor offense, and possession by minors can result in citations up to $250. Fort Worth Code Compliance partners with Tarrant County Public Health and the Texas Comptroller on undercover compliance checks at convenience stores, smoke shops, and vape retailers.
Selling tobacco to a person under 21 is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $500 per offense plus state permit suspension; minors face fines up to $250 and tobacco-awareness program requirements under H&S Sec. 161.252.
Fort Worth, TX
Texas Comptroller licenses tobacco and e-cigarette retailers statewide under Tax Code Chapters 154 and 155. Fort Worth Code Chapter 8 layers local oversight,...
Fort Worth, TX
Texas House Bill 1771 and Health and Safety Code provisions preempt cities from banning the sale of flavored tobacco or e-cigarette products. Fort Worth cann...
See how Fort Worth's tobacco age restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.