FCIAA, what does those five letters stand for? What do they mean to you? Those five letters are of a great importance to me. They stand for "Florida Clean Indoor Air Act." This act was passed to protect people from the health hazard of secondhand tobacco smoke. When this act was being voted on/passed, it was a big issue to the whole society, especially me. It wasn't something that only dealt with a select few but the society as a whole. To me, this act was one of the best things that could have happened. That's because I am allergic to cigarette smoke. To me, this act meant no more of going to a nice restaurant with family or friends and being bother and irritated by the smell of smoke blowing in my face, into my dinner. This act in my opinion benefits way more people that it makes people unsatisfied. .
This document not only entails no smoking in restaurants, but other places as well. This document is prohibited in an indoor workplace unless otherwise noted. Some of the specific exceptions include but not limited to private residence, retail tobacco shops, designated smoking guest room, stand alone bar, "smoking cessation program, medical or scientific research", or custom smoking room. .
In section 386.206, it requires posting of signs. It says that signs should clearly be posted stating, "Smoking is not permitted in the workplace - primarily inside". Other areas like airports and hospitals should also have correct signs posted. But with the many signs still posted, people still ignore this new act and smoke not aware of the penalties they face. The penalties include but are not limited to a misdemeanor of the second degree to a civil infraction not to exceed $25 or 50 hours of community service or to take a school-approved anti-tobacco class, whichever is said forth by the officer or they can contest the citation in court. The Department or the Division of Hotels and Restaurants or the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation are the ones who enforce this act based upon each department specific duties.
