A Florida bill that prohibits the intentional release of balloons, which the state legislature passed in March, has been signed by Governor Ron DeSantis.
Oceana has been a leader in supporting this bill and advocating for it since 2022. The organization’s Florida-based staff have been on the front lines in passing similar city and county policies and working diligently to make sure this legislation becomes state law — ultimately protecting Florida’s coastlines and wildlife.
Oceana’s Florida Field Campaigns Manager Hunter Miller said:
“It’s a great day for Florida’s coastlines and ocean wildlife. Oceana applauds the state legislature for passing House Bill 321 and Governor DeSantis for signing the bill into law. The new law bans the intentional release of balloons and is a bipartisan win for Florida’s key coastal economies. Sadly, balloons and their plastic ribbons, and other attachments can be easily swallowed by endangered sea turtles, seabirds, and other ocean wildlife. In fact, studies show balloons rank among the?deadliest ocean plastic for?key wildlife?and are?the deadliest form of plastic debris for seabirds.
“Florida’s new law will help save ocean animals from these preventable deaths. 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.”
