Florida Looks to Ban Intentional Balloons Release to Help Wildlife
This juvenile sea turtle was rescued by NOAA having ingested balloon debris.
Photo by FWC Blair Witherington
Mylar balloons, also known as foil balloons, are made of plastic nylon sheets or polyethylene with a metallic coating. They are considered eco-unfriendly balloons.
“Balloons used for our entertainment pose a serious danger to wildlife, including marine mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles. They can easily be mistaken for food by several marine species, and animals can die from starvation when balloons block their digestive tracts or when they become entangled in balloon strings,” according to the Ocean Conservation Society.
The US Fish and Wildlife Conservation advises, “Balloons are great at birthdays, weddings, graduations and more, but once they get loose, balloons can pose a threat to many animals.”
In Florida, under a new proposed bill, (which was passed on March 8, 2024, in both the Senate - SB 602 (by Senator DiCeglie) and House - HB 321 (by Representative Chaney), releasing balloons could soon become illegal. Under
the current Florida law, it’s illegal to release more than 10 balloons within a 24-hour period. Balloons would be considered litter, according to the bill’s House sponsor, Rep. Linda Chaney, a Republican representing southern Pinellas County. If caught, perpetrators could be fined up to $150. A number of states have already banned intentional release of balloons outdoors. The bill is waiting for signature by Governor DeSantis and would take effect July 1st.
What the new bill proposes: “It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to intentionally release, organize the release of, or caused to be released balloons inflated with gas that is lighter than air except for any of the following:
Balloons released by a person on behalf of a governmental agency or pursuant to a governmental contract for scientific or meteorological purpose.
Hot air balloons that are recovered after launching.
Balloons released indoors.
This does not apply to a person six years of age or younger.
Penalty: The court may require a person who violates this law to pick up litter or perform other labor commensurate with the offense committed.
The two most common types of balloons:
Mylar balloons, also known as foil balloons, are made of plastic nylon sheets with a metallic coating and will never be biodegradable.
Latex balloons burst in the atmosphere and shred into small pieces that, when floating on the surface of a waterbody, resemble jellyfish or squid, a favorite food of marine animals who could easily get tangled and strangled with the strings.
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