Florida earns F in tobacco funding, and the American Lung Association calls on state officials to increase the tobacco prevention and control funding to CDC-recommended levels in 2020 to end tobacco use, youth vaping epidemic and save lives. This year’s “State of Tobacco Control” report from the American Lung Association calls for proven tobacco control policies in light of the fact that the country’s youth vaping epidemic worsened in 2019. This dire situation is a result of states and the federal government’s failure to enact policies called for in the report such as increased tobacco taxes and stronger federal oversight of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. This year’s 18th annual report finds that in 2019 Florida earned failing grades on its efforts to reduce and prevent tobacco use, including e-cigarettes. The American Lung Association finds opportunities in 2020 for Florida officials to take action to increase tobacco prevention and control funding while also regulating e-cigarettes as tobacco products to support public health and save lives in 2020. The 18th annual “State of Tobacco Control” report grades states and the federal government on policies proven to prevent and reduce tobacco use, and finds that while Florida has taken significant steps to reduce tobacco use, including prohibiting tobacco product use in almost all public places and workplaces, elected officials should do more to save lives and ensure all Florida residents benefit from reductions in tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.

For media interested in speaking with an expert about the “State of Tobacco Control” report, lung health, tobacco use and tobacco control policies, contact the American Lung Association at Britney.Stewart@Lung.org or 470-233-7030.

Read Florida's full State of Tobacco Control Report and grades here.