Improving health for our patients and communities is at the heart of everything we do at UF Health.
As a responsible health care organization, we strive to prevent disease and provide the highest quality medical care while ensuring a safe, healthy, clean and welcoming environment for everyone on our campuses. Our policies apply to our faculty, staff, students and volunteers as well as our patients and visitors:
- We do not permit smoking or the use of tobacco products on campus and in our buildings. This includes cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars and smokeless tobacco (chew or dip). Our campuses include our buildings, parking lots, garages and roadways.
- We prohibit the presence and use of illicit/illegal drugs and alcohol on our campuses and in our buildings.
- We also prohibit the presence and use of knives, guns or other weapons in our buildings.
These efforts reflect our commitment to maintain a healthy environment for everyone who seeks care or works at UF Health.
Common questions
Are there designated smoking areas on UF Health campuses?
No. Having designated smoking areas would not support our tobacco-free policies. We strive to ensure a safe, healthy, clean and welcoming environment for everyone who seeks care or works on our campuses, and we are dedicated to preventing disease and promoting health.
Am I allowed to smoke on public property adjacent to our campuses such as a public sidewalk?
Although you can use tobacco on public property, we ask that staff, volunteers, visitors and patients do not smoke in the vicinity of our campuses. Many public areas are close to our facilities, and we ask that smokers respect everyone who seeks care or works on our campuses. We want to eliminate second-hand smoke for our patients, faculty and staff.
Is the use of electronic cigarettes allowed?
E-cigarettes are not permitted under our tobacco-free policies. People who use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) inhale a harmful aerosol that may contain nicotine as well as other flavors and chemicals.
Need help quitting?
Please talk with your health care provider or check out these resources:
- UF Area Health Education Centers (AHEC)
(352) 273-5224
Provides free in-person tobacco cessation services to help you quit using all forms of tobacco. - Tobacco Free Florida
Toll-free quitline, 1-877-U-CAN-NOW
English and Spanish speaking counselors are available 24 hours a day. - American Cancer Society’s Quit for Life Program
(866) 784-8454
Specialists can answer questions 24 hours a day. - National Cancer Institute
(877) 44U-QUIT
Offers free, confidential information about quitting. - Visit smokefree.gov for additional resources.
