New Legislative Proposals in New Jersey and Florida Show Growing State-Level Pressure on Tobacco Policy

As we move through the final stretch of the year, two new state bills have been introduced that demonstrate the growing threat faced by premium cigars moving into 2026.

New Jersey: Bill Proposes Tax Hike on Tobacco Products

In early November, New Jersey State Senator Joe Vitale introduced S. 4820, a wide-ranging bill that raises taxes on tobacco and nicotine products across the board. For premium cigars, the most significant piece of the proposal is an increase from 30 percent to 50 percent of the wholesale price and creates a floor tax for retailers.

Florida: Bill Proposes Expansion of Smoking Bans

In Florida, Representative Alex Andrade has introduced HB 389, a proposal that would broaden the state’s public-place smoking ban and bring marijuana under the same restrictions that apply to tobacco.

Florida already bans smoking in enclosed indoor workplaces and allows cities and counties to restrict smoking on beaches and parks they control. HB 389 takes the framework a step further by extending prohibitions into virtually all outdoor public areas.

As with the existing statewide law, unfiltered cigars are excluded from these bans. However, with any efforts to re-open or extend a smoking ban’s provision there is always a risk that the cigar exception could be narrowed or removed.

Why These Bills Matter for Premium Cigars

Both bills reflect a broader pattern of states taking more aggressive positions on tobacco and nicotine policy. The risk is not only the impact of any single bill, it is the cumulative effect. Once a tax increase or smoking restriction passes in one state, it becomes a template for anti-tobacco groups to promote in others, often alongside proposals such as flavor bans, licensing requirements, or additional tax hikes. Taken together, these restrictions create a more constrained environment for manufacturers, make it harder for retailers to operate, and ultimately lead to higher prices and fewer choices for consumers.

Looking Ahead

We expect a very active legislative season in 2026, driven in part by policy and financial pressures emanating from Washington. CRA will be engaged early to ensure premium cigars are not swept into regulations that bear no resemblance to ours.

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