The ads were published in newspapers in Charlotte, N.C., Louisville, Ky., New York and Richmond, Va., where Philip Morris Inc., R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., and Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp. have corporate offices or plants.

Florida is running the ads as part of the state's campaign to reduce teenage smoking. The campaign is funded by Florida's $11.3 billion share of the nationwide tobacco settlement.

The campaign was timed with the Take Our Daughters to Work Day. The ads stated: "On Take Your Daughter to Work Day, Would You? Today 3,000 young people will start smoking. 1,200 people will die from tobacco. And someone, somewhere, will decide they've had enough of working for the tobacco industry. We'd like to make sure it's a decision that doesn't go unnoticed. So if you're out there, please call 1-866-929-9222, and let your daughter see you for what you really are. A hero."

Tom Ryan, spokesman for Philip Morris, said the newspaper ad campaign "doesn't appear to be consistent with those goals" to reduce youth smoking.

"Spending Florida's settlement funds and tax dollars to attract employees of the tobacco industry isn't appropriate or necessary," Ryan said. "We're very proud of our employees and the contributions they make not only to our business but to the community as well."

Frank Penela, communications director for Florida's Health Department, which is running the campaign, said the state hopes to run advertisements featuring current or former tobacco company employees who respond to the appeal to quit.

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