DeSantis signs outdoor balloon release ban in Florida

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Monday that bans outdoor balloon releases, a measure meant to protect wildlife.

Why it matters: Balloons can kill wildlife that mistake them for food or get caught in their attached strings.

• Florida law previously allowed a person to release up to nine balloons over 24 hours.

Zoom in: Starting July 1, sending a balloon up into the sky will be considered a noncriminal littering offense, and could get you fined up to $150. Some of the money goes toward the Solid Waste Management Trust Fund's grant program.

Between the lines: The law, sponsored by two Pinellas Republicans, was a rare example of the state GOP backing a bill championed by environmentalists.

• Also rare: the pushback the wildlife-friendly bill got from the left. Several Democrats voted no when the bill passed in March.
• Tampa Democratic state Rep. Dianne Hart said she was concerned the fines would disproportionately affect Black residents, who often release balloons to honor deceased loved ones.

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