Tobacco Free Florida

Protecting Our Children's Future

A Healthier Clay County starts with tobacco-free homes and communities. Children exposed to tobacco whether through secondhand smoke, vaping aerosols, or tobacco marketing, face serious health risks. Tobacco Free Florida is a statewide initiative aimed at reducing tobacco use and exposure, especially among youth and families.

The Impact on Children’s Health

Secondhand smoke harms developing lungs:

• Exposure increases the risk of asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and ear infections.

Vaping aerosols are not harmless:

• E-cigarettes release toxic substances that can affect brain development and respiratory health.

Early exposure normalizes addiction:

• Children who grow up around tobacco use are more likely to start smoking or vaping themselves.

Prenatal exposure risks:

• Smoking during pregnancy can lead to low birth weight, premature birth, and developmental delays.

Florida and Clay County youth tobacco data:

• In Florida, over one in five high school students reported using e-cigarettes in recent surveys.
• In Clay County, youth vaping rates have mirrored state trends, with rising concern among parents and schools.
• Tobacco Free Florida has helped reduce youth cigarette smoking to historic lows, but vaping remains a growing challenge.

How Tobacco Free Florida helps:

• Free quit resources – For adults and teens
• School partnerships – To educate students and staff
• Community campaigns – To promote smoke-free environments
• Youth advocacy programs – Like SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco)

What you can do as a parent or caregiver:

• Make your home and car 100% tobacco free
• Talk to your children early and often about the dangers of tobacco and vaping
• Use Tobacco Free Florida’s quit tools to model healthy behavior
• Support school and community efforts to reduce youth exposure

For free quit support, visit TobaccoFreeFlorida.com or call 1-877-U-CAN-NOW.

Every Child Deserves to Breathe Clean Air

Join us in building a tobacco free Clay County because protecting children starts with protecting their environment.