Fort Myers Beach bans smoking and vaping on public beaches, parks

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. (WINK)— The Town of Fort Myers Beach has banned smoking and vaping on its public parks and beaches.

"It's adopted. It's in effect. So now you cannot smoke or vape on the town of Fort Myers beaches or the county beaches," said Abigail Eberhart, public information officer for the Town of Fort Myers Beach.

Visitors to the beach had mixed opinions about the new ban. Carl Abner, Rowan, and Karinda Girdler said they don't mind what people do as long as they maintain a respectful distance.

"I don't care what people do, but as long as you keep a nice, safe distance away, just be respectful. But I don't care what you do outside," the Girdlers said.

Michelle Mook, a smoker herself, said she supports the ban because it will reduce litter. "I think the good thing is, you're not seeing cigarette butts everywhere, littering the sand. And I'm a smoker, so I was okay with it," Mook said.

Pam Hart echoed similar concerns about cigarette waste accumulating on the beach.

For local businesses like Paradise Vape and Smoke, the ban raises concerns. Hunter Shamlian, the shop's owner, has operated on the island since August 2025.

"I just wish they would put more bins out there and worry more about keeping the beach clean to begin with, and advise people just not to litter. I don't think they really need to enforce this point. I think it's a little ridiculous and overdone," Shamlian said.

The town clarified that the ban only applies to public parks and beaches. Eberhart said people can still smoke on personal and private property.

"We like to remind people that you can still smoke on your personal and private property. It's not that we're overreaching here. We're simply just making sure that we have those protections on our own property," Eberhart said.

The town's code officers will likely be responsible for enforcing the ban on town and county property. Details about fees and fines are expected to be discussed at the next Fort Myers Beach Town Council meeting.