Intentionally releasing a balloon is now bannned in Florida

If you get a balloon in Florida after July 1, make sure to dispose of it properly.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation , HB 321 , Monday that makes intentionally releasing a balloon inflated with gas lighter than air unlawful. This new prohibition replaces a former ban on releasing 10 or more balloons within a 24-hour period and removes an exception for biodegradable balloons.

It does, however, include some exceptions to the rule. These include balloons released on behalf of a governmental agency or “pursuant to a governmental contract for scientific or meteorological purposes,” hot air balloons recovered after launching and balloons released indoors. It also does not apply to children younger than 6 years old.

People who are found to be in violation of the law will be guilty of a noncriminal littering infraction.

Sen. Nick DiCeglie (R-St. Petersburg) and Rep. Linda Chaney (R-St. Pete Beach) led efforts to get the law passed. Two groups praised the move after DeSantis signed the legislation .

“Even if they avoid harming wildlife, balloons break apart forming microplastics that will continue to impact our communities for hundreds of years,” said Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation . “The passage of this law will prevent unnecessary plastic pollution from harming our ecosystems.”

SCCF explained that balloons released in Florida can easily make their way to the ocean, where sea turtles and shorebirds can accidentally ingest them. According to Oceana , studies show balloons are the deadliest form of plastic debris for seabirds and among the deadliest for other types of wildlife.

“Florida made the right call today in banning intentional balloon releases. Balloons are one of the deadliest forms of plastic pollution for ocean wildlife,” said Oceana Field Campaigns Manager Hunter Miller. “It’s great to see state legislators from both sides of the aisle come together to support a commonsense bill and get it passed. We call on Governor DeSantis to quickly sign this into law.”