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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Tobacco Free Florida

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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.