De Santis’ New LAW Bans Balloons
Legislation prohibiting the “intentional release” of balloons in the state of Florida was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday. This new law may even have children over the age of six years old, being subject to fines.
Politicians have drafted significant measures to lessen the quantity of balloons that drift over the ocean and wash up on the state’s beaches. There is bipartisan support for this cause and gratitude from many different community sectors. Republican state representative Linda Chaney, the bill’s sponsor, has been an ardent supporter of the project, pointing to backing from organizations that protect the ocean as well as cow farmers.
Rep. Chaney’s bill addresses the massive environmental problem of balloon proliferation in our coastal zones. The natural beauty of our beaches is diminished, and marine life is harmed by these balloons. Balloons are often mistaken for food by birds, sea turtles, and other creatures, which may result in injuries or even death. By focusing on this source of pollution, the Act seeks to safeguard our marine ecosystems and the wildlife that depend on them.
“Our beaches are the greatest asset that Florida has, and not releasing a balloon is an easy way to protect our waterways and our wildlife,” Chaney told the audience. “A released balloon is damaging, and there’s nothing good about it.”
Chaney claims that DeSantis was concerned that the legislation would result in higher penalties for Floridians. The Tampa Bay Times said that his administration was especially worried about the measure penalizing youngsters.
Chaney told the Los Angeles Times, “He was weighing the environmental benefits against the potential for fining people when that’s not what we really want to do.”
Ultimately, the legislation was changed to exclude children younger than six.
“Floridians do not want balloon litter in their backyard, at their favorite beach, or floating in local waterways,” Emma Haydocy, a Surfrider Foundation official, told the Times. “Hundreds of millions of tourists visit Florida each year.”
Ocean conservationists and cattle ranchers think that animals may confuse stray balloons for food. Eating trash that has blown into their habitat has caused health issues for both sea turtles and cattle.
