Coral Springs city leaders consider extending moratorium on new smoke and vape shops as zoning review remains ongoing
Coral Springs, Florida – City leaders in Coral Springs are considering a six-month extension of a moratorium on new smoke and vape shops as officials continue reviewing potential zoning and regulatory changes for these businesses. The matter will be discussed at the city commission’s regular meeting on Wednesday, where commissioners are expected to weigh whether more time is needed to finalize new rules.
Earlier this year, the commission requested that city staff study best practices for regulating smoke and vape shops after Commissioner Joshua Simmons raised concerns about their growing numbers across the city. “The shops have proliferated across Coral Springs,” Simmons noted, prompting the commission to examine how zoning and regulations could better manage their impact on neighborhoods and communities.
The first smoke and vape shop opened in Coral Springs in 2013. By 2021, a total of 13 shops had opened, and since 2022, another 11 have started operations, according to city documents. Today, Coral Springs is home to 23 smoke and vape shops, creating concerns about their concentration in certain areas and their potential impact on youth and public spaces.
Smoke and vape shops sell e-cigarettes, also known as vapes, which are typically used with liquids containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. Some customers, however, use these devices to consume marijuana and other substances. Many shops also sell cannabis and CBD-related items. State law restricts the sale of consumable CBD products, such as oils and gummies, to those under 18 years old, while the purchase of tobacco and e-cigarettes is limited to residents aged 21 and older, according to city records.
City officials are currently studying ways to refine zoning rules for these shops. One option under consideration is to limit businesses that dedicate more than 20% of their floor space to selling tobacco, nicotine, or CBD products, excluding medical marijuana. Other proposed measures include requirements related to parking, distances between shops, and proximity to schools, parks, and houses of worship.
“The city wants to ensure that these businesses are operating responsibly and not clustering in areas that could negatively impact neighborhoods,” city officials said. The extension of the moratorium would provide additional time to finalize rules that balance public safety, business interests, and community concerns.
The city’s zoning review is intended to prevent over-concentration of smoke and vape shops while ensuring that businesses already operating in Coral Springs can continue to serve their customers under clear and fair regulations. By considering limits on location, spacing, and store size, officials aim to create guidelines that protect public health and community character without unnecessarily stifling small businesses.
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Commissioners have noted that the moratorium has been an effective tool in pausing new openings while the study is completed. However, with the rules still in development, city staff are requesting the six-month extension to allow for additional research, public input, and drafting of detailed regulations.
Public comments are expected to be taken during the upcoming city commission meeting, giving residents a chance to weigh in on how Coral Springs should manage smoke and vape shops in the future. The final decision on whether to extend the moratorium will shape the city’s approach to balancing business growth with health and safety concerns in the years ahead.
