Can You Buy Disposable Vapes in Florida? The Short Answer
Yes, unless the specific product is on Florida's banned list. Florida takes a unique approach - instead of listing approved products, it lists banned ones:
- NDD Directory lists BANNED products - everything not on the list is legal
- Refillable devices explicitly exempt - open systems, pod mods, box mods all legal
- All flavored e-liquids legal - no flavor ban in Florida
- Statewide indoor vaping ban under the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act
- 21+ with military exception (active duty 18-20 can purchase)
- No state vape excise tax - only standard sales tax
- Third underage sale = FELONY - among the harshest youth-access penalties nationally
Florida's banned-list approach means the market is far less restricted than states with approval-only directories. Most refillable products and many disposables remain available.
Florida's Vaping Laws: The Legal Framework
Florida's regulatory approach through HB 1007 is distinct from every other state's directory system.
Key Legislation
| Law | Year | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Clean Indoor Air Act | 2003 (amended 2019) | Included vaping in indoor smoking ban |
| T21 adoption | 2021 | State age raised to 21 (military exception) |
| HB 105 | 2022 | Allowed local beach/park vaping restrictions |
| HB 1007 | 2024 | Created NDD Directory (banned-list approach) |
| NDD Directory launched | Jan 2025 | Initial banned product list published |
| NDD enforcement begins | March 2025 | Retailers must comply |
How Florida's NDD Directory Works (Banned-List Approach)
Florida's system is the opposite of Wisconsin and North Carolina:
| Feature | Florida (NDD) | Wisconsin/NC |
|---|---|---|
| What's listed | BANNED products | APPROVED products |
| Unlisted products | Legal by default | Illegal by default |
| New products | Legal until banned | Illegal until approved |
| Refillable systems | Explicitly exempt | Must be on directory |
| Market impact | Less restrictive | More restrictive |
The NDD Directory process:
- DBPR identifies non-compliant disposable products
- Products are reviewed for FDA status and safety concerns
- Banned products are added to the NDD Directory
- Retailers are notified of newly banned products
- A sell-through period allows clearing existing inventory
- Enforcement begins after the grace period
What's Legal vs. Illegal
Legal:
- All refillable/open-system vaping devices (explicitly exempt)
- All flavored e-liquids for refillable systems
- Disposable vapes NOT on the NDD banned list
- Pod systems with refillable or replaceable pods
- Box mods, tanks, RDAs, RTAs, and all open systems
- Nicotine salt e-liquids (all strengths, all flavors)
- Online purchases with age verification
Illegal:
- Specific disposable products listed on the NDD Directory
- Selling any vape to anyone under 21 (except military 18-20)
- Vaping in prohibited indoor locations
- Selling without proper business licensing
What Can You Buy in Florida?
Fully Legal Products (Explicitly Exempt from NDD)
Refillable Devices:
- Pod mods (SMOK Nord, Vaporesso XROS, GeekVape Aegis, Uwell Caliburn, etc.)
- Box mod kits (all brands)
- Rebuildable atomizers (RDAs, RTAs, RDTAs)
- Squonk mods
- All-in-one refillable systems
E-Liquids (All Flavors Legal):
- Freebase nicotine (all strengths, all flavors)
- Nicotine salt (all strengths, all flavors)
- Tobacco, menthol, fruit, dessert, candy, beverage - all legal
- All bottle sizes
- All PG/VG ratios
Disposables NOT on the Banned List:
- NJOY Daily
- Vuse Go
- Other compliant disposable brands
- Check the NDD Directory to confirm specific products
Products on the NDD Banned List
The banned list primarily targets:
- Disposable brands without FDA PMTA authorization
- Products identified in FDA warning letters
- Brands associated with youth use concerns
- Products with safety/manufacturing concerns
Common banned brands (check current NDD for full list):
- Select Elf Bar / EB Design products
- Select Lost Mary products
- Various unbranded/white-label disposables
- Products from manufacturers with FDA enforcement actions
The Refillable Advantage in Florida
Florida's explicit exemption for refillable systems means:
| Feature | Refillable | Disposable |
|---|---|---|
| Legal status | Always legal | Check NDD |
| Flavors | All available | Limited by NDD |
| Cost per puff | Much lower | Higher |
| Future-proof | Not subject to NDD | May be banned later |
| Selection | Unlimited | Decreasing |
Where Can You Vape in Florida?
Unlike states like Texas and Wisconsin, Florida has a statewide indoor vaping ban under the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act.
Where Vaping Is Prohibited
- All enclosed indoor workplaces
- Restaurants (indoor areas)
- Retail stores and shopping centers
- Government buildings and courthouses
- Public transportation
- Schools, colleges, and universities
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Common areas of apartment complexes and condos
- Sports arenas and entertainment venues
- Most hotel rooms (unless designated smoking room)
Where Vaping Is Permitted
- Standalone bars (not serving food, separate ventilation)
- Retail tobacco/vape shops (primary business is tobacco sales)
- Designated hotel smoking rooms (if hotel offers them)
- Private residences
- Private vehicles
- Outdoors (unless local beach/park restriction applies)
Outdoor Restrictions (HB 105, 2022)
Since 2022, local governments can restrict vaping in outdoor public areas:
| Location Type | Can Cities Restrict? | Common Status |
|---|---|---|
| Public beaches | Yes (HB 105) | Many now restrict |
| City parks | Yes (HB 105) | Varies by city |
| Sidewalks | Generally no | Usually permitted |
| Outdoor dining | City-dependent | Some restrict |
| Sports fields | Yes | Most restrict |
City-Specific Outdoor Rules
| City | Beach/Park Restriction |
|---|---|
| Miami Beach | Banned on beach (since 2023) |
| Fort Lauderdale | Banned on public beaches |
| Clearwater | Banned on beach and pier |
| Tampa | Banned in city parks |
| Orlando | Banned in most city parks |
| Jacksonville | Select beaches only |
| Key West | Banned on Duval Street (parts) |
Penalties for Violating Florida's Vaping Laws
NDD Directory Violations (Retailers)
| Violation | Classification | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| First sale of banned NDD product | 2nd-degree misdemeanor | Up to $500 fine, 60 days jail |
| Second sale of banned NDD product | 1st-degree misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 fine, 1 year jail |
| Third+ sale of banned NDD product | Enhanced penalties | Potential license revocation |
Underage Sales (Especially Severe in Florida)
| Offense | Classification | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| First underage sale | Non-criminal citation | $500 fine |
| Second underage sale | 2nd-degree misdemeanor | $500-$1,000 + possible license suspension |
| Third underage sale | 3rd-degree FELONY | Up to 5 years prison + $5,000 fine |
Florida's third-offense felony for underage sales is among the harshest in the nation. Most states cap youth-access violations at misdemeanor level.
Indoor Vaping Violations
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Vaping in prohibited area (individual) | $100 fine (first), $500 (repeat) |
| Business allowing indoor vaping | $500-$2,000 per violation |
| Repeat business violations | Up to $5,000 + potential closure |
Enforcement Reality
- The NDD system is new (enforcement began March 2025)
- Initial focus is on wholesalers and distributors
- Retailers are receiving warnings before citations in most cases
- Indoor ban enforcement varies by county
- Beach/park enforcement is generally warning-first
- Underage sales are aggressively enforced (due to felony escalation)
Taxes and Costs
Florida has no vape excise tax, keeping prices low.
Tax Breakdown
| Tax | Rate |
|---|---|
| State vape excise tax | None |
| State sales tax | 6% |
| County discretionary surtax | 0.5-1.5% (varies) |
| Total tax | 6-7.5% sales tax only |
Expected Prices
| Product | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Refillable pod system | $25-$45 |
| Box mod kit | $40-$85 |
| 30mL e-liquid (any flavor) | $12-$22 |
| 100mL e-liquid (any flavor) | $18-$30 |
| NJOY Daily disposable | $7-$10 |
| Replacement coils (5-pack) | $12-$18 |
| Nicotine salt 30mL | $14-$24 |
Florida's prices are comparable to Texas and significantly lower than California or New York.
Florida vs. Other Southeast/Tourism States
| State | Directory Type | Flavor Ban | Indoor Ban | Vape Tax | Age | Military Exception |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | Banned-list (NDD) | No | Yes (statewide) | None | 21 | Yes (18+) |
| Georgia | None | No | Partial | $0.05/mL | 21 | No |
| North Carolina | Approved-list | No | No statewide | $0.05/mL | 21 | No |
| South Carolina | None | No | No statewide | No excise | 21 | No |
| Alabama | None | No | No statewide | $0.08/mL | 21 | No |
| Texas | Origin ban | No | No statewide | None | 21 | Yes (18+) |
Florida's banned-list approach is less restrictive than approval-list states but combines with a statewide indoor ban that Texas and the Carolinas lack.
Florida Vaping Laws: Key Takeaways
- NDD bans specific products - Florida lists what's BANNED, not what's approved (opposite of WI/NC)
- Refillable devices always legal - Open systems are explicitly exempt from the NDD
- All flavors remain legal - No flavor ban; fruit, dessert, menthol all available for refillable systems
- Statewide indoor ban - Florida Clean Indoor Air Act covers vaping in all enclosed public spaces
- Beaches and parks can restrict - HB 105 allows cities to ban vaping in outdoor public areas
- No state excise tax - Only 6-7.5% sales tax applies
- Third underage sale = FELONY - Among the harshest youth-access penalties in the US
- Military exception - Active duty 18-20 can legally purchase
- New products are legal by default - Until specifically added to the NDD banned list
- Bars are exempt - Standalone bars (no food service) can allow indoor vaping
References
- CS/CS/HB 1007 – Nicotine Dispensing Devices – Florida Senate
- Florida AG Launches Nicotine Dispensing Device Directory – My Florida Legal
- Florida Statutes § 569.311 – Nicotine Dispensing Devices
Looking for vaping laws in other states or countries? Check our complete vaping laws guide for more destinations.
