Attorney's Note

Under the Florida Statutes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:
ClassPrisonFine
misdemeanor of the second degreeup to 60 daysup to $500
For details, see Fla. Stat. § 775.082(4)(b)
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Terms Used In Florida Statutes 569.14

  • Dealer: is synonymous with the term "retail tobacco products dealer. See Florida Statutes 569.002
  • Division: means the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. See Florida Statutes 569.002
  • person: includes individuals, children, firms, associations, joint adventures, partnerships, estates, trusts, business trusts, syndicates, fiduciaries, corporations, and all other groups or combinations. See Florida Statutes 1.01
  • Tobacco products: includes loose tobacco leaves, and products made from tobacco leaves, in whole or in part, and cigarette wrappers, which can be used for smoking, sniffing, or chewing. See Florida Statutes 569.002

(1) A dealer that sells tobacco products shall post a clear and conspicuous sign in each place of business where such products are sold which substantially states the following:

THE SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 21 IS AGAINST FLORIDA LAW. PROOF OF AGE IS REQUIRED FOR PURCHASE.

(2) A dealer that sells tobacco products and nicotine products or nicotine dispensing devices may use a sign that substantially states the following:

THE SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, NICOTINE PRODUCTS, OR NICOTINE DISPENSING DEVICES TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 21 IS AGAINST FLORIDA LAW. PROOF OF AGE IS REQUIRED FOR PURCHASE.

A dealer that uses a sign as described in this subsection meets the signage requirements of subsection (1) and s. 569.43(1).

(3) The division shall make available to dealers of tobacco products signs that meet the requirements of subsection (1) or subsection (2).
(4) Any dealer that sells tobacco products shall provide at the checkout counter in a location clearly visible to the dealer or the dealer’s agent or employee instructional material in a calendar format or similar format to assist in determining whether a person is of legal age to purchase tobacco products. This point of sale material must contain substantially the following language:

IF YOU WERE NOT BORN BEFORE THIS DATE

  (insert date and applicable year)  

YOU CANNOT BUY TOBACCO PRODUCTS,
NICOTINE PRODUCTS, OR NICOTINE DISPENSING DEVICES.

Upon approval by the division, in lieu of a calendar a dealer may use card readers, scanners, or other electronic or automated systems that can verify whether a person is of legal age to purchase tobacco products. Failure to comply with the provisions contained in this subsection shall result in imposition of administrative penalties as provided in s. 569.006.

(5) The division, through its agents and inspectors, shall enforce this section.
(6) Any person who fails to comply with subsection (1) is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
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