I write to you not only as a concerned citizen, but as someone who has witnessed firsthand the impact of recent regulatory decisions targeting Florida’s small businesses -- particularly smoke shops -- under the guise of public health and safety.

While I understand the importance of sensible oversight in the vape and hemp industries, the new regulations enacted by Florida’s Department of Agriculture appear to disproportionately punish small, legitimate retailers. These businesses, already adhering to the law Floridians voted for in November -- raising the minimum age to 21 for entry -- are now facing enforcement actions that ignore that very compliance.

In March, enforcement agents used 18-year-olds in sting operations at smoke shops, despite knowing these businesses do not permit entry to those under 21. Meanwhile, gas stations -- which do not restrict entry -- were excluded from the same scrutiny. These retailers often stock vape and hemp products from questionable suppliers, lacking the transparency and accountability that smoke shops maintain. Customers regularly report that products purchased from gas stations taste off, burn their throats, and don’t last -- clear signs of illegitimacy.

This isn’t just anecdotal. Many convenience stores are known hubs for underage purchases, yet they remain less regulated. The question must be asked: why target businesses that follow the rules, while allowing less accountable operations to flourish?

It’s especially troubling that these regulations were not passed through legislative consensus. After the Florida State House and Senate failed to reconcile their bills, unelected appointees imposed regulations -- not laws -- that Floridians never voted for. This circumvention of democratic process deserves scrutiny. Voters expect their representatives, not bureaucrats, to make policy decisions that impact livelihoods.

I urge your publication to investigate and report on this imbalance. The public deserves transparency and accountability in how laws and regulations are crafted and enforced. Let’s not allow policy to be shaped in silence.

Sincerely,
A Concerned Florida Smoke Shop Employee
Rob Morris