Many states have passed statewide bans on smoking in enclosed public places, including restaurants and bars. Other states have enacted statewide smoking bans that include exceptions for certain businesses and workplaces—such as cigar bars, tobacco shops, and private clubs.

Some cities and towns have enacted ordinances (laws) that restrict smoking in restaurants and bars—and some cities and towns extend public smoking bans outdoors to sidewalks, apartment complexes, and other public spaces where nonsmokers may congregate, for example.

Violations of these smoking bans may be prosecuted as misdemeanor criminal offenses and include hundreds of dollars of potential fines.

In Florida, the state has implemented a comprehensive ban on smoking in enclosed indoor workplaces through the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act (FCIAA), which includes restaurants and bars. This law, however, does allow for certain exceptions where smoking may be permitted, such as stand-alone bars, retail tobacco shops, designated smoking guest rooms at hotels, and other specific types of establishments. Local governments in Florida have the authority to enact more stringent smoking regulations, and as a result, some cities and towns have extended smoking bans to outdoor public spaces and other areas not covered by state law. Violations of the FCIAA and local smoking ordinances can result in fines and are typically treated as misdemeanor offenses. The specifics of the fines and penalties can vary depending on the local jurisdiction within the state.