Is smoking permitted in UF buildings?

No.  Under the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act of 1992 (Section 386.201 of the Florida Statutes), smoking is not permitted in any UF building. 

Is smoking permitted outside buildings?

Smoking is permitted in areas at least 50 feet from all campus buildings.  Note:  smoking is not permitted in any UF vehicle regardless of its location. 

In the fall 2002, a UF policy under the Department of Education Rules was adopted that expanded the coverage of the statute to designate no-smoking areas within 50 feet of selected campus buildings.  In the fall of 2006, Healthy Gators 2010 recommended expansion of this policy to include all campus buildings. The Environmental Health and Safety Committee reviewed and approved this recommendation.

Why expand the coverage?

Healthy Gators 2010 is a University of Florida initiative which follows a set of national health objectives designed to promote health and prevent disease.  Tobacco use is one of the leading health indicators outlined in the national objectives used by the Healthy Gators initiative.  The expansion of the smoking policy is consistent with Healthy Gators 2010 goal of developing interventions that will make the University of Florida a more healthful place to live, study and work.

Individuals exposed to secondhand smoke inhale many of the same toxins and carcinogens as smokers, and according to the Surgeon General, even brief exposure can be harmful, especially to those with asthma or allergies. 

How can I judge 50 feet? 

You can estimate 50 feet by walking 20 paces or by visualizing three cars lined up bumper to bumper, the width of a basketball court or a little more than 15 yards on a football field.

How will the policy be enforced?

As stated in the original policy, enforcement is the responsibility of the person in charge of the facility in use.  All members of the University of Florida community can help promote compliance by spreading the word.  If you see someone who is smoking near a building, consider informing him/her of the policy.

Where can I get information and support to quit smoking?

Quitting smoking is not an easy thing for most people and many people who smoke would like to quit.  Options are available to help people quit smoking.  The Alachua County Health Department (334-8889) offers classes, free nicotine patches and other resource information for county residents. Other resources include GatorWell Health Promotion Services, 392-1161, ext 4281, www.shcc.ufl.edu/gatorwell/; UF’s Employee Assistance Program, 392-5787; the American Cancer Society, 376-6866; the Florida Quit Line, 1-877-822-6669; your health care provider; and internet sites like www.smokefree.gov and www.quitnet.com.

How can I help?

Spread the word to co-workers, administrators, students and visitors, and diplomatically inform smokers of the policy if they are smoking too close to a building.  If you smoke on campus, please stay at least 50 feet away from all buildings.  Solve issues that may occur by seeking the help of your building administrator or supervisor.  You may also consider distributing information cards to educate people about the policy.  A template of the information card is available at http://www.ehs.ufl.edu/RiskMgmt/HGcard.pdf.