Quitting tobacco is one of the most important actions you can take for your health, and it’s also one of the toughest. About half of current smokers in Florida (50.8%) tried to quit at least once in the past year. Yet, it’s also true that at a national level, fewer than 1 in 10 who try each year succeed. The good news? Having a plan and using proven resources can significantly improve your chances. Tobacco Free Florida’s “How to Quit” initiative is designed to help you find the approach that fits your life, with free tools and support every step of the way.

Here are four evidence-based strategies to help you get started.

Picking a quit date gives your journey a clear starting point. Choose a day in the next month. It could be an important milestone like your birthday. Or maybe it’s just avoiding things you know will make quitting hard, like holidays or during a tough time at work.

Share that date with friends and family so they can support and motivate you along the way. And put bright reminders all over… your phone, your bathroom mirror… anywhere that you can get excited as you prepare for your day.

Health care providers like your doctor, dentist, or pharmacist can be great allies. They can recommend the best quit method for your situation and connect you with the right tools and support. People who talk to a health care provider about quitting are more successful than those who go it alone, so don’t hesitate to bring it up at your next visit.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) include things like patches, gum, or lozenges. They can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings and can double your chances of quitting for good. In addition to being options for a quit plan, you can also pair them with expert-led counseling, all of which is available for free to any Floridian regardless of insurance.

Tobacco Free Florida’s Quit Your Way program offers free FDA-approved NRT and a range of counseling options, including phone coaching, in-person or virtual group sessions, and a web-based quit plan you can follow at your own pace.

Before your quit day arrives, take time to remove cigarettes, lighters, matches, and ashtrays from your home, car, and workspace. These everyday items can trigger cravings when you least expect it. Understanding what sets off the urge to smoke, whether it’s stress, your morning coffee, or a driving routine, and preparing for those moments can make all the difference.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

There is no single right way to quit, and what matters most is finding the combination of strategies that work for you. You don’t have to figure it out on your own. Tobacco Free Florida’s Quit Your Way services are free, proven, and available in all 67 Florida counties. More than 350,000 Floridians have already quit successfully using these tools.

Ready to take the first step? Call 1-877-U-CAN-NOW (1-877-822-6669) or visit TobaccoFreeFlorida.com/QuitYourWay to get started with free tools, coaching, and nicotine replacement therapy. Your quit journey starts here.

2026 TOBACCO FREE FLORIDA WEEK DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES

• Health Care Provider Clinical Setting Infographic
• Quit Methods Infographic

HOW TO QUIT VIDEOS

• Watch Here