Gov. Ron DeSantis has approved legislation cracking down on intentionally releasing balloons, labeling the act as littering.
The measure (HB 321) reclassifies the intentional release of balloons as noncriminal littering, an offense that carries a $150-per-violation fine.
The measure deletes a section of Florida Statutes allowing the intentional release of nine helium-filled balloons per day. It also nixes allowances for so-called "biodegradable" and "photodegradable" balloons that still present environmental dangers.
Children 6 and younger are exempt. Hot air balloons recovered after launch are also excused.
The bill's lack of an educational component, however, drew criticism during discussion in the House from Tampa Democratic Rep. Dianne Hart, who reiterated concerns about how it could disproportionately affect the Black community.
Hart said releasing balloons to honor deceased loved ones is a common tradition among Black people, who she worried could feel the brunt of the bill's penalties unless they're properly informed of the change.
"That's my greatest fear," she said. "I love the environment. Please don't get me wrong. I do. But I also love my people more than having them fined."
St. Pete Beach Republican Rep. Linda Chaney, the bill's sponsor, said she'd given a Florida funeral home association — there are several — informational "language" to pass onto its members, which in turn will inform their clientele.
"I've asked that you help me notify the NAACP about that to address that other piece of your concern," Chaney told Hart. "That's the education that I'm pursuing, and I hope other members will do the same."
Numerous environmental groups, as well as the Florida Retail Association and Florida Cattlemen's Association, backed the legislation this year. Hunter Miller, field campaigns manager for Oceana, told Florida Politics his organization has worked on the issue "for the last few years" and is "optimistic" about its success this year.
According to the nonprofit Ocean Conservancy, nearly 300,000 balloons were found along U.S. beaches between 2008 to 2016. That's more than 31,000 balloons per year.
The legislation will take effect on July 1.
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