Floridians will no longer be allowed to purposely let go of balloons, including at group events like memorials or parties, after a measure banning their release was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
With his signature Monday, anyone caught intentionally releasing a balloon beginning July 1 could face a $150 fine, according to the measure. State litter laws are now updated to include balloons, and the measure clarifies that children 6 years or younger are exempt from penalties.
The bill was widely supported by ocean conservation groups who point to marine debris as a growing problem as millions of pounds of plastic enter Earth’s oceans each year. Florida wildlife officials have found balloons dozens of miles offshore, and turtles have been rehabbed in coastal rescue facilities after mistaking the plastic for food.
Under current law, it’s illegal to release more than 10 balloons within a 24-hour period. The new measure also removes a loophole that allows the release of biodegradable balloons, which can still cause harm to the environment.
Sea turtles are particularly vulnerable to the hazards of balloons. They mistake balloons for jellyfish, one of their main food sources, and can become entangled in the strings or ribbons attached to them. Ingestion of balloons can also cause blockages in their digestive system, leading to starvation and death. In 2018, a study by the University of Exeter found that balloons were the number one marine debris item ingested by sea turtles. The study also found that the number of balloons ingested by sea turtles has tripled in the last decade.
Dolphins are also at risk of harm from balloons in the ocean. In 2019, a dolphin was found dead on a beach in Florida with a balloon string wrapped around its body. The string had cut into the dolphin’s skin, causing severe injuries.
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