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By Shirenna |

Miami-Dade commissioners vote to end smoking on beaches and parks

New Jersey New Laws
In this Aug. 25, 2018, photo a cigarette butt lies on the sand at beach in Middletown, N.J. A ban on smoking at public beaches, a state mandate for health insurance and the ability for courts to take away guns from people who pose a danger are among the laws going into effect in the new year in New Jersey. Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy signed the bill banning smoking at the state’s public beaches and parks in July, though local communities can opt out and designate small smoking sections. The law takes effect Jan. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

MIAMI, FL– Miami-Dade commissioners have voted to pass an ordinance that would make it illegal to smoke on beaches and in parks in Miami-Dade County.
The ordinance passed with a 13-0 vote Tuesday during a meeting at County Hall.
The ordinance will now head to the Housing, Recreation, Culture & Community Development Committee where it will be up for public comment on May 8.
If the ordinance is passed, it will head back to county commissioners for a final vote.
Those caught disobeying the ordinance could face civil penalties.
The ordinance does make an exception for unfiltered cigars.
A similar ordinance was passed in Miami Beach.
A person caught smoking on a beach or in a public park can be fined $100 and spend up to 60 days in jail as a first-time offense.