HB 559

1
A bill to be entitled
2An act relating to lighters and matches; creating s.
3877.28, F.S.; providing definitions; prohibiting the
4purchase of a lighter or matches by a minor;
5prohibiting a retailer from giving a lighter or
6matches to a minor; requiring a retailer to verify the
7age of a purchaser of a lighter or matches;
8restricting the location of lighters or matches by
9retailers; requiring specified signage for retailers
10of lighters or matches; providing criminal penalties
11for violations; providing an effective date.
12
13Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
14
15     Section 1.  Section 877.28, Florida Statutes, is created to
16read:
17     877.28  Lighters and matches; minors.-
18     (1)  As used in this section, the term:
19     (a)  "Lighter" means a portable device that uses a
20flammable gas or liquid to provide a naked flame or a red-hot
21filament to light cigarettes, cigars, pipes, grills, fireplaces,
22campfires, or campfire stoves. A lighter may include, but is not
23limited to, a custom lighter, cigar lighter, pipe lighter,
24candle lighter, outdoor grill lighter, camping lighter, novelty
25lighter, table lighter, butane lighter, and any other self-
26contained portable flame-producing device.
27     (b)  "Matches" means a lighter consisting of a thin piece
28of wood or cardboard tipped with a combustible chemical that
29will ignite with friction. Matches may include, but are not
30limited to, safety matches, strike-anywhere matches, storm
31matches, Bengal matches, a matchbook, and a matchbox.
32     (2)  It is unlawful for a minor to purchase a lighter or
33matches.
34     (3)  It is unlawful for any retailer to sell or give a
35lighter or matches to a minor.
36     (4)(a)  A retailer must verify the age of a person who is
37purchasing a lighter or matches.
38     (b)  Lighters and matches must be located by a retailer so
39as to limit direct access to them by a customer before purchase.
40     (c)  Each retailer selling lighters or matches must post a
41sign stating, "The sale of lighters and matches to a person
42under the age of 18 is prohibited."
43     (5)  A person who violates this section commits:
44     (a)  For a first violation, a misdemeanor of the second
45degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
46     (b)  For a second or subsequent violation, a misdemeanor of
47the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s.
48775.083.
49     Section 2.  This act shall take effect July 1, 2012.


CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.