AG Embarks on Teen Vaping Fact-Gathering Mission

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is traveling the state to hear from parents, teachers and law enforcement about the growing use of e-cigarettes among Florida youth. The Florida Department of Health released a report in April 2019, noting a 58 percent increase in the use of e-cigarettes among Florida high school students from 2017 to 2018. According to the report, nearly one in four Florida high school students now admits to vaping.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “As a mother, the skyrocketing use of e-cigarettes among Florida youth deeply troubles me and I want to make sure we are doing everything in our power to protect children. According to the Centers for Disease Control, vaping is highly addictive, and e-cigarettes contain chemicals like aerosol that are known to cause serious health complications.

“It is illegal under Florida law to sell these products to anyone under 18 yet, vaping among our youth is out of control. That is why, I am traveling the state to hear from parents, teachers and law enforcement about what they are experiencing and how children are hearing about vaping and acquiring e-cigarettes.”

Attorney General Moody launched the fact gathering mission today in Nassau County where, according to a recent report, more than one in three middle and high school students admits to vaping. According to a FDOH study, Nassau County ranks seventh out of all 67 Florida counties in percentage of students who vape. Attorney General Moody met with Nassau County Schools Superintendent Dr. Kathy Burns, local teachers and law enforcement to discuss how the school district is attempting to reducing teen vaping among its students.

The discussion focused on several key factors surrounding youth vaping including how students are learning about e-cigarettes and the seemingly widespread availability of these products to minors.

Attorney General Moody will hold additional discussions throughout the state this summer to hear from experts in other Florida school districts. Details of these upcoming events will be released soon.