Orange County continues discussion of tobacco buffer zones near schools

Spectrum News 13 | By: Emma Delamo | June 30, 2026

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County commissioners on Tuesday will continue discussing how to enforce buffer zones between schools and smoke shops.

During a work session, staff will present information about the current regulation of tobacco shops in Orange County and compare it to other cities and counties.

Staff will share recommended code amendments and the next steps commissioners would need to take.

The conversation started back in April, when Commissioner Nicole Wilson brought the item up for discussion after hearing complaints from parents. Wilson proposed creating a safe zone around schools from shops by implementing a 500 to 1,000 foot buffer that would apply to new retailers of all nicotine products. Students and community leaders shared their concerns during public comment.

According to the CDC, their 2024 data reports that e-cigarettes are most commonly used by middle and high school students, followed by nicotine pouches and cigarettes.

The work session will begin at 2 p.m. at the Orange County Administration Center, 201 S. Rosalind Ave.