Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill into law that prohibits intentional balloon releases in the state. The legislation, known as “Release of Balloons” (HB 321), was sponsored by Representative Linda Chaney from St. Pete Beach to help protect the environment

Under the previous law, Floridians were allowed to intentionally release up to nine balloons without penalty. However, the new legislation imposes fines for balloon releases. Here are the key points:

Fines: Intentionally releasing even one balloon will now result in a $150 fine per violation. For balloons weighing over 15 pounds, the fine can reach up to $1,000.
Exemptions: Children under the age of 6 are exempt from these fines.
Effective Date: The law will take effect on July 1, 2024.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s solid waste management trust fund will receive $50 from each fine, contributing to environmental conservation efforts.

For those seeking more eco-friendly ways to honor or memorialize loved ones, alternative methods are encouraged. Oceana's Florida Field Campaigns Manager Hunter Miller says, "Floridians can opt for greener choices like bubbles, kites, planting trees, or making memorial gardens. Our elected officials should continue to come together to adopt new policies to stop the plastic pollution crisis at the source so Floridians and visitors can appreciate our stunning state without it being marred by plastic waste."