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Florida School Vape Crackdown: Students Face Civil Citations
Palatka, FL – Students in Putnam County schools now face immediate civil citations if caught possessing vaping devices on campus or at school related activities, following a zero tolerance enforcement
By Cameron Hayes · 2026-11-02T03:22:03.251Z
Palatka, FL – Students in Putnam County schools now face immediate civil citations if caught possessing vaping devices on campus or at school related activities, following a zero tolerance enforcement announcement from the Putnam County Sheriff 's Office.
According to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, the policy takes effect immediately and applies to students found with vaping devices on Putnam County School District campuses or during school sponsored activities, including field trips and after school events.
The sheriff's office said vaping among students has reached what it described as epidemic levels, prompting stronger enforcement measures after years of working with the school district to educate students about the dangers and consequences of vaping.
Under the announced approach, students caught with vaping products will receive civil citations and may be directed into a juvenile diversion program.
Possible consequences include community service through programs such as SWAT, referrals to substance abuse programs or participation in teen court.
The sheriff's office emphasized that students cannot avoid consequences by claiming a vaping device belongs to someone else, was being held for a friend or was accidentally brought to school.
Officials also warned that pointing out other students with vaping devices would not excuse an individual violation.
Florida law restricts tobacco and nicotine product possession by people younger than 21, with additional restrictions governing vaping in certain public places and around schools.
The sheriff's office said the enforcement effort specifically targets school campuses and school related activities, rather than representing a new statewide school policy.
Parents and guardians are being encouraged to discuss the consequences of vaping with their children before violations result in citations or diversion requirements.
The department described the new enforcement approach as a continuation of its partnership with Putnam County schools to address youth vaping and discourage students from bringing vaping devices onto campus.