Floridians may not mark the passing of a loved one or celebrate a wedding by intentionally releasing balloons under a measure passed by members of the State Legislature earlier this month.
Sponsored by Rep. Linda Chaney (R-St. Pete Beach), CS/HB 321 bans intentional balloon releases on the grounds that the balloon materials are hazardous to wildlife and livestock who may ingest them. Violators may be subject to noncriminal littering offenses and fines of up to $150.
Children ages six years and younger are exempt from the proposed law under an exemption added to the bill by members of the Florida Senate.
The State Senate passed the bill by a vote of 38-2 on March 4. On March 5, the Florida House passed the measure by a 102 – 9 margin. If signed into law, CS/HB 321 will go into effect on July 1.
