Senate committee reports bill to exempt heated tobacco products from cigarette tax

A Florida Senate committee on Regulated Industries voted to report SB754 favorably after the sponsor told the panel the bill would statutorily define “heated tobacco product” and exclude such products from the cigarette tax.

The sponsor, speaking during the committee’s final meeting before session, said the proposal treats heated tobacco products similarly to vapor products already excluded from the cigarette tax and called them a lower‑harm alternative for smokers. “This product has around 95% less harmful additives and toxins,” the sponsor said during remarks to the committee, characterizing the product as an alternative for people struggling with cigarette smoking.

Senators questioned the policy’s scope and enforcement mechanics. Senator Davis asked why the bill was necessary; the sponsor replied that the bill is intended to provide a tax incentive for alternatives to combustible cigarettes. Senator Bernard raised concerns about youth access and whether exempting the product from the cigarette tax would affect enforcement or retail controls. The sponsor said the measure addresses taxation only and that regulatory questions — including which state agencies (for example, DBPR) set purchase‑age and sales rules — would require follow‑up research and potential rulemaking.

Scott Shelley of the Florida Retail Federation waived in support of the bill during the committee hearing. After brief closing remarks, the clerk conducted a roll call and the committee chair announced SB754 was reported favorably on the committee’s vote.

What’s next: SB754 was reported favorably out of committee; the committee record does not show a detailed roll‑call tally in the transcript. Committee members indicated staff will follow up on regulatory questions and age‑of‑purchase enforcement before later stops.