Balloon releases, like this one during a rally supporting President Donald Trump on October 10, 2020, in Bellevue, Washington, are banned in Florida under a new law. (Photo by Karen Ducey/Getty Images)
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You can’t celebrate or remember a loved by releasing balloons in Florida anymore. Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed legislation prohibiting the intentional release of balloons filled with a gas lighter than air. Exceptions include weather balloons and hot air balloons. Violating the law will mean a $150 fine for people older than 6.
The measure passed both chambers with bipartisan support.
The Ocean Conservation Society estimates that more than 100,000 marine mammals die from entanglement and starvation caused by plastic debris and lists balloons as the biggest cause of death from ocean debris for birds.
Oceana, an ocean advocacy organization, said the signing marks a great day for ocean wildlife.
“Florida’s new law will help save ocean animals from these preventable deaths,” Oceana Florida field manager Hunter Miller said in an email statement.
“While releasing balloons is sometimes used for celebrations, 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,” he said.
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