DeSantis signs balloon measure into law (not pictured) – Woman releasing balloons – Photo: Song_about_summer/Shutterstock.com
On Monday, Governor DeSantis signed three measures into law, one of which forbade the purposeful release of balloons in Florida for events such as gender reveal parties.
Florida residents are forbidden under CS/HB 321 from intentionally letting go of balloons, and those who do so risk fines for littering.
Although it’s becoming more common to see balloon releases during gender reveal parties and for special occasions like weddings or memorials, environmental organizations warn that balloon releases can have fatal effects on marine life.
The bill’s summary analysis states, “Balloons take years to break down and often end up in waterways or the ocean, where they can be swallowed by marine animals.”
According to JP Brooker, director of Florida Conservation at the Ocean Conservancy, balloons rank among the most often discovered waste kinds in large-scale cleanup operations. He claimed that during cleanups, they have removed tens of thousands of balloons in a single year.
“When we find dead manatees, we often find pieces of balloon in them,” he stated. “In particular, sea turtles will hunt for balloons because they mistake them for jellyfish, which is a natural food source for them. Therefore, it may be necessary to remove these balloons from their throats if they consume them. Animals may wind balloon ribbons around their necks.”
Balloons, according to supporters, can fly hundreds of kilometers after being launched. According to Oceana’s field campaigns manager, Hunter Miller, balloons are even being taken out of some of the state’s most secluded and unspoiled regions, such as the Florida Everglades.
“Miles inland could be the case,” stated Brooker. We are aware of instances where balloons have descended into inland cattle fields from coastal releases that have occurred on the shoreline. In fact, balloons have been shown to be consumed by cows.”
According to Brooker, certain stakeholders have voiced concerns over people’s freedom to commemorate or celebrate a significant life event.
Brooker added, “We think that’s really important, too.” We believe there are methods for doing it. planting plants, distributing flower petals, and other non-littering activities, as opposed to blowing up balloons.”
Under the new regulation signed by DeSantis, anyone who plans or participates in a balloon release might be fined $150 for littering. Of the $150, $50 would be allocated to the grant program of the Solid Waste Management Trust Fund.
Children in Florida under six are not subject to the law. It will become operative on July 1.
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Melissa’s career in writing started more than 20 years ago. Today, she lives in South Florida with her husband and two boys.
