Public hearing on proposed amendments to School Board Policy regarding tobacco use.

NOTICE OF INTENT OF 
THE SCHOOL BOARD OF OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA 
TO ADOPT A PROPOSED POLICY
The School Board of Okaloosa County, Florida, hereby gives notice of its intent to adopt amendments to School Board Policy 04-33 Violent Crimes/Possession or Useof Tobacco Products, Alcoholic Beverages, Drugs, Weapons or Firearms, pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Administrative Procedures Act. 
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of the proposed amendments to the policy is to incorporate new policy recommendations regarding the possession, use, sale, display, or consumption of tobacco products and or smoking/vaping devices on School Board property. The specific legal authority for the proposed policy is 1001.41, Florida Statutes.
SUMMARY: The proposed amendments to the new policy update policy provisions and align district policy with Tobacco Free Florida's tobacco-free policy recommendations.
LEGAL AUTHORITY: The adoption of the proposed revisions to the policy is authorized by 1001.41, Florida Statutes.
ECONOMIC IMPACT: The proposed policy is not expected to result in additional budget costs to the School Board nor is it expected to have any adverse effect on small businesses. There has been no agency statement of estimated regulatory costs (SERC) prepared. Any person who wishes to provide the agency with information regarding the statement of estimated regulatory costs (if one has been prepared), or to provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative, must do so in writing within 21 days after publication of the notice. The proposed policy is not expected to require legislative ratification under 120.541(3), Florida Statutes. 
A public hearing will be held by the School Board of Okaloosa County, Florida, at 5:15 p.m., or as soon thereafter as this matter may be heard, during the regular Board meeting on March 9, 2026, at the School District Central Administration Complex, located at 202A Highway 85 North, Niceville, Florida, in the Training Room, for the purpose of considering adoption of the proposed policy. Any interested person may appear at the hearing and present evidence and argument and be heard concerning the adoption of the proposed policy. Immediately following the public hearing, The School Board of Okaloosa County, Florida, will consider final action to adopt the proposed policy.
The entire text of the proposed policy is on file and available for inspection during regular office hours in the office of the Superintendent of Schools, at the School Board's Central Administration Complex, 202A Highway 85 North, Niceville, Florida. Copies of the proposed policy are available to the public, at no cost, and may be obtained from Mari McGowan, in the office of the Superintendent of Schools, telephone number (850) 833-5895.
If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the School Board with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing, such person will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose, such person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. This notice does not constitute consent by the School Board for the introduction or admission of otherwise inadmissible or irrelevant evidence, nor does it authorize challenges or appeals not otherwise allowed by law.
The School Board of Okaloosa County does not discriminate upon the basis of any individual's disability status. Anyone requiring reasonable accommodation as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure access to or participation in the public hearing should contact the Superintendent of Schools at (850) 689-7185 at least five (5) business days in advance to make appropriate arrangements.
The Notice of Rule Development required by 120.54, Florida Statutes, was published on January 16, 2026, in the Northwest Florida Daily News.
             
MARCUS D. CHAMBERS
Superintendent of Schools
Okaloosa County School District
February 1 2026
LSAR0450256