New Law Coming To Florida Will Affect Parties and Gender Reveals

Governor Ron DeSantis signed three bills into law on Monday, including one that bans the intentional release of balloons in Florida, a popular activity for gender reveals and other celebrations.

Governor DeSantis Pops the Balloon Release Party with New Law

The bill, CS/HB 321, prohibits Floridians from purposefully letting go of balloons, with offenders facing a fine for littering. While balloons often take center stage at weddings, memorials, and the increasingly popular gender reveal events, environmental groups have raised concerns about their impact on marine life.

What Is The Harm Of Releasing Balloons?

"Balloons take years to break down and often end up in waterways or the ocean, where they can be swallowed by marine animals," the bill's summary analysis states.

JP Brooker, the director of Florida Conservation for the Ocean Conservancy, highlighted the severity of the issue. "Balloons are one of the most common types of debris we find during mass cleanup activities," he said. "We've picked up tens of thousands of balloons in a single year."

Brooker painted a grim picture of the aftermath of balloon releases, noting, "When we find dead manatees, we often find pieces of balloon in them. Sea turtles, in particular, mistake balloons for jellyfish, their natural food source. When ingested, balloons can get stuck in their throats and need to be removed. The ribbons from balloons can also entangle animals."

Advocates pointed out that balloons can travel hundreds of miles from their release point. Hunter Miller, the field campaigns manager with Oceana, said balloons are even found in the remote and pristine areas of the state, like the Florida Everglades.

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"It could be miles inland," Brooker added. "Coastal releases on the beach have resulted in balloons landing in cattle pastures inland, where cows have been seen eating them."

Acknowledging the concerns of those who use balloon releases to celebrate or honor significant life events, Brooker suggested alternatives. "We think that's really important, too," he said. "Planting trees or spreading flower petals are meaningful ways to celebrate without causing litter."

What Happens If You Get Caught Releasing Balloons?

Under the new law, those caught organizing or participating in a balloon release will face a $150 fine for littering. Of that fine, $50 will go towards the Solid Waste Management Trust Fund grant program. Floridians under the age of 6 are exempt from the law, which will take effect on July 1.

While the new legislation might put a pin in some celebration plans, the aim is to ensure Florida’s marine life and environment stay healthy and safe.