In Florida, a ban on smoking in all public places could soon become a reality.

State Senator Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota) supports a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow recreational use of marijuana, but said Thursday he would introduce a bill that would ban smoking of any kind in public places.

Gruters said the amendment, which he expects to pass in November, was the catalyst for the proposal.

“All of this is being driven by Amendment 3 (the marijuana amendment), but I would be in favor of it regardless of Amendment 3,” he told reporters.

Gruters, a former chairman of the Florida Republican Party who is running for state treasurer in 2026, said his bill would create “guardrails” to protect the public.

“It’s easy to do. It’s well within our power. I think we can get ahead of it. That’s the whole purpose of the bill. It’s very simple,” Gruters said.

The bill is expected to be introduced for the 2025 legislative session, which begins in March.

Governor Ron DeSantis criticized the proposed amendment, saying, among other things, that if it is passed, the state will begin to “smell like marijuana.”

The Smart & Safe Florida political committee, which supports the amendment, said the measure would allow the state to regulate how, when and where marijuana can be consumed in public places, similar to state tobacco and alcohol laws.

Florida bans smoking in indoor workplaces and allows cities and counties to restrict smoking on beaches and parks they own.