WHEREAS, the prompt and expeditious handling of cases related to the possession of tobacco products, nicotine products and/or nicotine dispensing devices by persons under 21 years of age necessitates the establishment of certain guidelines;

        NOW THEREFORE, I, JAMES R. CLAYTON, Chief Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, hereby order as follows:

1. The Clerk of Court is authorized to grant one thirty (30) day extension upon written request from a recipient of a citation. The Clerk of Court is authorized to grant one sixty (60) day extension upon written request from an anti-tobacco and nicotine program provider.
2. In cases in which proof of payment of the monetary penalty OR completion of community service AND attendance at a locally available, school approved anti-tobacco and nicotine program are not filed with the Clerk as directed in the citation, the Clerk shall prepare a Certificate of Non-Compliance and set the citation for an arraignment hearing.
3. The notice of arraignment shall state that the failure to appear at arraignment may result in the issuance of an Order to Show Cause with appropriate sanctions to follow.
4. Cases related to the possession of tobacco products, nicotine products and/or nicotine dispensing devices by persons under the age of 21 shall be assigned to the County Court divisions hearing Civil Infraction cases based on the geographic location of the alleged violation.
5. The Clerk of Court may dismiss citations that do not include proper addresses.

TO BE RECORDED in Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia Counties, Florida.

DONE AND ORDERED in DeLand, Volusia County, Florida this 30th day of September 2022.