Smoke-Free Policy

For the health and well-being of our residents, we have a no smoking policy for many of our housing properties.

More details coming soon.

The Orlando Housing Authority is committed to providing a safe and healthy working and learning environment for the residents, guests, and staff on its campus, it hereby adopts the following smoke free policy.                                                                       ·

Section A: Intent

Orlando Housing Authority finds and declares that the purposes of this policy are (I) to protect the public health and welfare by prohibiting the use of tobacco products, including the use of electronic cigarettes, on the OHA properties; (2) to guarantee the right of nonsmokers to breathe smoke free air, while recognizing that the need to breathe smoke free air shall have priority over the desire to smoke; and (3) to encourage a healthier, more productive living/learning environment for all members of our campus community.

Section B. Definitions.

1. "Electronic Smoking Device" means any product containing or delivering nicotine or any other substance intended for human consumption that can be used by a person in any manner for the purpose of inhaling vapor or aerosol from the product. The term includes any such device, whether manufactured, distributed, marketed, or sold as an e-cigarette, e-cigar, e-pipe, e-hookah, or vape pen, or under any other product name or descriptor.
2. ''Hookah" means a water pipe and any associated products and devices which are used to produce fumes, smoke, and/or vapor from the burning of material including, but not limited to, tobacco, shisha, or other plant matter.
3. "Smoking" means inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, or pipe, or any other lighted or heated tobacco or plant product intended for inhalation, including hookahs and marijuana, whether natural or synthetic, in any manner or in any form. "Smoking" also includes the use of an electronic smoking device which creates an aerosol or vapor, in any manner or in any form, or the use of any oral smoking device for the purpose of circumventing the prohibition of smoking in this Article.

Section C. Smoking Prohibited on OHA property and vehicles.

The Smoke Free Policy applies to all OHA facilities, property, and vehicles, owned or leased, regardless of location. Smoking shall not be permitted in any enclosed place, including, but not limited to, all offices, classrooms, hallways, waiting rooms, restrooms, meeting rooms, community areas, performance venues and private residential space within OHA housing. Smoking shall also be prohibited outdoors on all OHA property, including, but not limited to, parking lots, paths, fields, and sports/recreational areas, as well as in all personal vehicles while on OHA property. This policy applies to all residents, faculty, staff, and other persons on OHA property, regardless of the purpose for their visit.

Section D. Dissemination of Policy; Signage

Copies of this policy shall be distributed to all faculty and staff and shall be included with information given to all admitted residents. Information about the policy and how to comply with it shall also be posted on the OHA website. Announcements concerning the policy and any changes to it shall be printed in newspapers and posted on the OHA website to ensure that everyone fully understands the policy. Smoke Free signs shall be posted at all points of entry to the OHA property and at all OHA building entrances. No ashtrays shall be provided at any location on campus.

Section E. Transition Period.

This policy is being announced 30 days prior to its implementation in order to give smokers time to adapt to its restrictions and to facilitate a smooth transition to a smoke free environment. On-site smoking cessation programs shall be made available to assist and encourage individuals who wish to quit smoking. Questions and problems regarding this policy should be handled through existing departmental administrative channels and administrative procedures.                                    

Section F. Enforcement of Policy; Penalties

This policy shall be enforced by the OHA. Each violation of this policy is punishable by a fine not exceeding fifty dollars ($50) and/or appropriate campus disciplinary procedures up to and including termination.

This Policy shall be effective on 11-17-17.