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1. What are the Laws about Juveniles and Tobacco?

If you are under the age of 21, it is against the law to do the following:

- Possess tobacco products (F.S. 569.11 (1))

- Possess Nicotine products or Nicotine dispensing devices (F.S. 569.42 (1))

- Misrepresent age for the purpose of purchasing or attempting to purchase any nicotine product or tobacco product (F.S. 569.42 (2) or F.S. 569.11 (2))

- Smoking near school property (F.S. 386.212)

2. What is required to satisfy a juvenile smoking citation written under statute 569.11 or 569.42?

It is required that:

• For a first violation, pay $30 civil penalty or perform 16 hours of community service. In addition, the juvenile must attend a school-approved anti-tobacco and nicotine program, if locally available. Proof of program must be turned into our office within 30 days of the date of the citation.
• For a second or further violation within 12 weeks of the first violation, pay a $30 civil penalty
• For a subsequent violation beyond 12 weeks of the first violation, the punishment is as provided for in the first violation, as shown above.

s. 322.056.

3. What is required to satisfy a juvenile smoking citation written under statute 386.212?

Pay $30 civil penalty or attend a tobacco education courts or perform 50 community service hours.

4. How do I pay for my citation?

Payments must be made in full within 30 days of the date of the citation. Payments can be made by cash, check, money order or credit card at the Citrus County Clerk of Court's office. If mailing, please include your name and case number to ensure proper credit to your case, and send to:

Angela Vick, Clerk of Court and Comptroller

110 N Apopka Avenue

Inverness, FL 34450

You may also pay by phone with a debit or credit card by calling 352-341-6424. Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express are accepted. A service fee will be applied by the credit card vendor. Payment plans are not available unless ordered by the court.

5. Where can I go to do Community Service?

Community Service can be done at a non-profit agency of your choice.

Proof of community service must be turned into our office within 30 days of the date of the citation.

6. If I do community service, is there a form that I need to submit as proof?

The Clerk's Office will accept proof of community service that is submitted on approved non-profit agency letterhead with the agency's address and phone number. The letterhead must list the dates and hours of work performed, and must be signed (initials are not acceptable) by an authorized individual of the non-profit organization.

7. Where can I take the Tobacco Education Course?

Information regarding the tobacco education course can be obtained by contacting the Citrus County Health Department:

The Citrus County Health Department Tobacco Prevention Program

3700 W Sovereign Path
Lecanto, FL 34461

Phone: 352-513-6072

8. Who is responsible for submitting the certificate when the tobacco education course is completed?

Although the Health Department will send a copy of your certificate to the Clerk's office, the responsibility ultimately falls upon the defendant to be sure that the certificate is received in a timely manner.

9. How do I contest my citation?

The juvenile cited must submit a written request to the Clerk of Court regarding your intent to contest the violation within thirty (30) days of the date of the violation. You will then be notified of a date and time to appear in County Court.