New federal statistics show the number of adult cigarette smokers in Florida has fallen to 17.6 percent, just above the country's rate of 15 percent.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the national drop from 17 percent is the largest single-year decline in more than 20 years.
Traditional smoking among teens is at an all-time low in Florida, and anti-smoking campaigns are now focusing many of their efforts on slowing the use of electronic cigarettes among high schoolers.
E cigarette usage among teens has surged in recent years, as an increasing number of kids now use the devices which allow the user to inhale vaporized nicotine in many different flavors.
Statistics show that 90 percent of those who are addicted to nicotine pick up the habit before they turn 18.
Valerie Lacy is the bureau chief for the state-funded group Tobacco Free Florida.
She says the best way to prevent adult smokers is to make sure kids never try their first cigarette.
"If we hit them early, between the ages of 11 and 17, and sometimes even earlier than that, then we know that we have a better chance of preventing an addicted smoker later on in life," Lacy said.
A pack-a-day smoker could save more than two thousand dollars per year if they quit, according to Tobacco Free Florida.
On average, it takes eight to ten attempts to finally stop smoking.
To get help quitting, call 1-877-U-CAN-NOW or visit TobaccoFreeFlorida.com.
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