Florida to ban intentional balloon releases

Florida makes strides towards putting wildlife over waste by banning the intentional release of balloons.

Al Soot | Unsplash.com
Balloon Release

Let’s celebrate! We are all for creating a memorable moment, but releasing balloons into the air without any regard for what happens next is not the best way to do it. From funerals to gender reveal parties, people are finding reasons to float dozens of pieces of plastic or rubber into the air. But those balloons don’t really reach the heavens, instead they often land in places where wild, domestic and farm animals might eat them.

Balloons released in Florida eventually make their way into our waterways, beaches, and coastal marshes. Marine life mistakes them for food and eats them, sometimes blocking up their intestines and leading the animal to starve. A 2021 report in the National Library of Medicine documented plastic ingestion in 555 marine species. Organizations like Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Tampa Bay have reported finding sea turtles that have ingested balloons and they had to administer life saving care.

We can certainly find better ways to celebrate or pray. And now in Florida, we will.

Releasing balloons is littering

A bill that would make it illegal to intentionally release balloons passed both the House and Senate and is on its way to be signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. Representative Linda Chaney, a Republican of Pinellas county and Rep. Jim Mooney, a Republican of Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, introduced the bill. By specifically identifying balloon releases as “littering”, violators will face a noncriminal penalty of $150. 

If one balloon escapes from your picnic table at a birthday party, does that count? Not if it’s unintentional, but it still “counts” as a threat to wildlife. Many balloons, including the shiny foil ones, are made from plastic. So they never decompose into the earth. Any type of balloon can be harmful to wildlife if they swallow it.

Fun ways to celebrate without balloons

Fly kites - Kites are a colorful and fun way to celebrate. They can be themed and also become party favors for people to take home and reuse. Agnieszka Ziomek | Unsplash.com
Milkweed
Native flowers - Putting a native flower in a pot to take home is another colorful way to celebrate. It’s also an opportunity to learn about which plants thrive in your climate and attract pollinators. This way the moment “lives” on. Mia McCormick | Used by permission
Chalk art - Cover a paved area in colorful chalk art. Ask invitees to add their own creation to the mix. Or leave a message for a loved one. Environment Florida | TPIN
Pinwheel in yard
Pinwheels or Garden spinners - These colorful lawn adornments are a feast for the eyes when grouped together. All the whirling and swirling is a delight to watch and creates a festive atmosphere. Nick Fewings | Unsplash.com
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Mia McCormick

Advocate, Environment Florida

Mia is focused on fighting for clean waterways, protecting Florida’s environmentally sensitive areas, advocating for stronger wildlife protections and reducing plastic pollution on our beaches. Mia lives in the Tampa Bay area and loves taking her family on nature adventures.