Don’t Let Go: Florida Set to Ban Intentional Release of Balloons

Tell your clients to hold tightly to their balloons when they visit Florida. A bill passed by state legislators, and expected to be signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, bans the intentional release of balloons into the air. 

The new law, which would go into effect on July 1, 2024, aims to protect the environment, especially wildlife that the balloon debris harms. It has widespread support from lawmakers, community leaders, and environmental groups such as Oceana. 

“Balloons are one of the deadliest forms of plastic pollution for ocean wildlife,” Hunter Miller, Oceana’s field campaigns manager, said in a statement. “It’s great to see state legislators from both sides of the aisle come together to support a commonsense bill and get it passed. 

The law would classify releasing a balloon filled with gas lighter than air as littering, a noncriminal offense attached to a $150 fine. Balloons released by children 6 and under are exempt, and the law does not prohibit stores from selling them or using balloons at outdoor celebrations if they are secured. 

Other parts of the state have already placed bans on balloons, especially in tourist-heavy areas. According to The New York Times, the city of Miami Beach banned party balloons from public marinas, marine facilities, parks and public beaches earlier this year.