Florida has a new law that bans people from letting go of balloons on purpose — a law meant to protect sea turtles, marine birds, and the environment.
The law was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, and replaces an older rule that only banned releasing 10 or more balloons within 24 hours. Now, letting go of just one balloon can get you fined for littering.
There are a few important things to know about this law. First, it doesn’t apply to children under 7 years old. Second, it includes all types of balloons, even ones that are supposed to be biodegradable. Third, conservationists are happy about this law because balloons are very dangerous to sea animals.
Balloons are a big problem for the ocean because they can float for days and travel far from where they were released. When they finally fall into the water, sea animals often mistake them for food. Sea turtles, for example, think balloons are jellyfish, which they love to eat. Birds, manatees, and whales also eat balloons, which can block their stomachs and cause them to starve.
Crucially, Florida is a peninsula, surrounded by water. No matter where you are in Florida, you’re never more than 60 miles from the ocean. This means balloons released anywhere in the state can easily end up in the water.
The law is part of a bigger effort to reduce plastic waste in the ocean. Some places have already tried to limit plastic bags and straws. Now, balloons are getting attention because they’re one of the deadliest types of trash for sea animals.