CENTRAL FLORIDA -- Smokers will pay an additional $1 tax on a pack of cigarettes starting Wednesday.

While it will generate revenue for the state, some local businesses said it will hurt their bottom line. A tax increase of more than $1 per pack is enough to make some say they'll give up smoking.

Alan Speelman, who said he's been smoking for 35 years, ventured out in the rain for his last carton of cigarettes.

"Absolutely prepared to quit. I will not pay that tax absolutely unequivocally will not pay the tax," he said. "I'm going to quit smoking!"

Florida will jack its 34 cent per pack tax to $1.34 and add 25 percent tax to every tobacco product except, cigars.

Merchants say there is no doubt that the extra $14 per carton is going to affect their bottom line. After all, most convenience stores and small grocers rely on cigarettes as a significant part of their income stream.

"I know the sales of cigarettes will decrease, but just like gas and everything else, we'll just have to get used to it," said Chris Chang, store operator.

The state expects to raise $900 million per year for health care and lawmakers hope the tax would prompt smokers to give it up.

Some smokers point out that for the first time, nicotine gum will be more affordable than cigarettes. Still, it's not sitting well with tobacco users.

"Oh they're angry! I haven't met a person yet that's happy. It's going to definitely hit our business for sure," said Chang.

"I don't like it, not very much at all, but what can you do about it," said another smoker.

Not everyone agrees the tax hike will cause smokers to quit, but it is fairly clear that the more expensive cigarettes are, the fewer children take up the deadly habit and that's the argument that won over lawmakers.