- Home
- DeSantis...
DeSantis signs bill banning balloon releases in Florida
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed a bill Monday that bans people from intentionally releasing balloons into the air in a new conservation effort.
The bill intends to minimize the number of balloons flying over the ocean and washing ashore.
According to the legislation, starting July 1, people who are caught intentionally releasing balloons could face a $150 fine.
Children 6 years or younger are exempt from the penalties, but groups at memorials or parties could be fined, the Tampa Bay Times reported.
The legislation was sponsored by state Rep. Linda Chaney (R), who said she supported the measure for ocean conservation reasons.
“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,” she said, per the Times. “A released balloon is damaging and there’s nothing good about it.”
The outlet noted that before signing the legislation, DeSantis was apprehensive that it could be a new avenue to fine Floridians. Chaney told the outlet that he was particularly worried about children receiving fines.
The Times reported that an unusual lineup of lobbyists supported the measure, including the Sierra Club and cattle farmers, who say balloons can be mistaken for food by animals.
Hot air balloons, balloons released indoors and balloons released on behalf of a governmental agency for scientific or meteorological purposes are excluded from the penalty.
DeSantis’s signature now means the state’s litter laws have been updated to include the intentional release of balloons.
The Hill has reached out to DeSantis for comment.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/desantis-signs-bill-banning-balloon-releases-in-florida/ar-BB1oTiAa?ocid=00000000
Related
Up to 125 Atlantic white-sided dolphins stranded in Cape Cod waters
WELLFLEET, Mass. (AP) — As many as 125 Atlantic white-sided dolphins became stranded Friday on Cape Cod and at least 10 died, prompting an intensive rescue effort, according to an animal rescue organization. The International Fund for Animal Welfare confirmed it was assisting the dolphins stuck at The Gut — or Great Island — in Wellfleet, at the Herring River in Massachusetts. The group described the area as a very difficult location with...
NewsSpy agency issues urgent warning to billions of smartphone users to avoid being spied on
Spy agency issues urgent warning to billions of smartphone users to avoid being spied on - NSA advice to Android and iPhone users follows years of surveillance operations from the US agency
NewsCNN anchor’s question makes veteran actor laugh
Emmy-winning actor Colman Domingo joins CNN’s Chris Wallace to detail his experience playing the part of “Ali” in HBO’s “Euphoria.” Watch the full episode of “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace,” streaming June 28 on Max.
NewsFact Check: About Biden's Claim that '158 or 159 Presidential Historians' Voted Trump Worst President in US History
U.S. President Joe Biden cited this survey during the June 27, 2024, presidential debate, urging viewers to "look it up."
NewsHardliner takes narrow lead in Iranian election
Conservative Saeed Jalili has taken a narrow lead over reformist Massoud Pezeshkian.
NewsIsraeli forces intensify attacks in Shujayea as Gaza death toll rises
Soldiers advance in Gaza City neighbourhood as UN says at least 60,000 Palestinian residents displaced.
NewsStadium-sized asteroid to buzz by Earth on Saturday: 5 things to know
An asteroid the size of a football stadium will thread the needle between Earth and the moon Saturday morning — the second of two astronomical near misses in three days. Near miss, in this case, is a relative term: Saturday’s asteroid, 2024 MK, will come within 180,000 miles of Earth. On Thursday, meanwhile, asteroid 2011…
News10 hidden Windows 11 features you wish you knew earlier
Windows 11 is almost three years old, but I'm still discovering features I didn't know it had
News