Beginning July the 1st, people will no longer be able to purposefully release balloons in the state of Florida.
Balloon releases are common at events like weddings, graduations and sporting events, but it turns out the balloons can be deadly to some marine life, including sea turtles.
Balloons can float around for days where winds can carry them over the water.
Once they deflate, sea turtles confuse them for jellyfish and eat them.
Birds, manatees and other marine life also eat balloons, which can block their digestive systems.
The plastic strings often attached to balloons have been known to entangle both birds and aquatic creatures.
The new law replaces an existing ban of releasing ten or more balloons within 24 hours; it also removes an exemption for biodegradable balloons.
The law will exempt children under 7.
Anyone else can be fined 150.00 for littering for intentionally releasing a single balloon.
Florida is now one of 10 states that limits or prevents balloon releases.
Balloon releases are common at events like weddings, graduations and sporting events, but it turns out the balloons can be deadly to some marine life, including sea turtles.
Balloons can float around for days where winds can carry them over the water.
Once they deflate, sea turtles confuse them for jellyfish and eat them.
Birds, manatees and other marine life also eat balloons, which can block their digestive systems.
The plastic strings often attached to balloons have been known to entangle both birds and aquatic creatures.
The new law replaces an existing ban of releasing ten or more balloons within 24 hours; it also removes an exemption for biodegradable balloons.
The law will exempt children under 7.
Anyone else can be fined 150.00 for littering for intentionally releasing a single balloon.
Florida is now one of 10 states that limits or prevents balloon releases.
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