Want to smoke on the sand? A ban is coming to Miami Beach. What to know about the law

Miami Beach has banned the smoking of cigarettes and other tobacco products on public beaches and parks starting Jan. 1.

READ MORE: No butts on the beach: Miami Beach to outlaw cigarette smoking at parks and beaches

Here’s what to know about the new law.

What motivated the change?

The Miami Beach law comes after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill in June allowing cities and counties to regulate smoking of tobacco products at beaches and parks.

Cigarette butts are “by far” the most common item polluting the city’s beaches, parks and waterways, City Attorney Rafael Paz said in a memo.

They’re difficult to clean up and contain toxic chemicals and microplastics that have a negative impact on the environment.

Which tobacco products are prohibited?

Cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco and any other lighted tobacco products will not be allowed on beaches and parks.

The only exception is unfiltered cigars, which were excluded in DeSantis’ bill.

What are the punishments?

Violating the law could lead to fines — or even arrests at the discretion of Miami Beach police.

For a first offense, the fine stands at $100. For a second, $200. The fine for a third offense jumps to $500.

And you could still face up to 60 days behind bars.

Is there anything else you should keep in mind?

Miami Beach has passed other smoking-related laws. The city banned the public smoking of marijuana and hemp in 2019.

This move came as the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office said it would no longer prosecute most minor marijuana charges. Officials can’t tell the difference between the smell of marijuana and hemp, which is legal in Florida.

In the Florida Keys

Miami Beach isn’t the only resort town with beach smoking restrictions. Monroe County leaders approved a ban on beach smoking in August. Vaping and smoking medical marijuana are still allowed.

The ban carries a fine of up to $100 for a first violation. The city of Key West still allows smoking on its beaches, including Smathers Beach on South Roosevelt Boulevard. Key West’s popular Fort Zachary Historic State Park, controlled by the state of Florida, allows smoking outdoors.