MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – What goes up, must come down.
There is now a statewide effort to stop the intentional release of balloons into the sky and out into the environment after South Florida groups spoke up about the dangers they present.
It comes as the city of Miami Beach cracks down with new legislation that would ban balloons in public marinas, parks, and beaches. The effort is sponsored by freshman commissioners David Suarez and Joe Magazine.
“Plastic is the real killer, for all sea life…so we want to do our fair share, limiting the amount of plastic that goes into the water,” Commissioner Suarez explained.
Under the ordinance, first-time violators would pay a civil fine of $100 for each balloon, up to a maximum total fine of $1000. That fine would increase to $250 a balloon for the second violation and to $500 for third-time violators. For any subsequent violations, that fine would increase to a whopping $1000 a balloon, up to a maximum total fine of $5000.
The first reading of the legislation passed unanimously on Dec. 13, setting increasing fines for anyone caught violating the proposed legislation. A final vote is scheduled for the end of this month.
“It’s crucial that we do not continue polluting our waterways,” Magazine said. “It’s (the water) really one of our most precious resources here on Miami Beach.”
Boat captains who spoke with Local 10 News at the Miami Beach Marina cheered on the move.
“As a captain down here, I think it’s great to keep them (balloons) out of here,” boat captain Alex Madden said.
The proposed city legislation will impact the dangerous trend of decorating boats with balloons. In 2022, a video went viral showing balloons being popped into Biscayne Bay following a marriage proposal. That incident prompted an investigation, thousands of dollars in fines, and even an arrest.
“I think it’s ridiculous to blow up 200 balloons for a four-hour little trip and then you pop them all and then throw them away in the end,” boat captain Jason Sain told Local 10.
The ordinance will be a big win for eco-activists who have long been fighting for this sort of regulation.
Sophie Ringel, who is the Executive Director of Clean Miami Beach, is among those who have been pushing for this.
“I think it’s amazing that so many eyes are on Miami Beach,” Ringel said. “It’s an international well-known city and to see that Miami Beach is banning that I really hope that other cities are saying oh you know what if Miami Beach can do it, I can do it too.”
There’s also muscle being flexed in Tallahassee. State Representative Linda Chaney, R-District 61, is sponsoring Florida House Bill 321 , which would outlaw the intentional release of all balloons statewide.
Right now, Florida law allows the intentional release of up to nine balloons, but Rep. Chaney’s bill and Senate Bill 602 would change that. Under this new legislation, the intentional release of even one balloon will carry a $150 fine per infraction.
“It is litter, it is harmful to animals and to our environment. And it’s a behavior that we need to change,” Chaney stated.
HB 321 still has two more stops in committees before it reaches the House floor, but so far Rep. Chaney says the feedback has been supportive.
“We just need to get ourselves on the agendas and heard in the committees, and I believe this is going to be a bipartisan, unanimously-supported bill,” Chaney told Local 10.
The bill has also found support from state cattle ranchers who have expressed frustration over balloons landing in their pastures. Unknowing cattle have mistaken balloons for food, which they are unable to digest, which has caused some cattle to die.
“There are reports of cows who were pregnant, who died and the baby died. So that’s why the Cattlemen Association supports it,” Chaney said.
But the most surprising ally is the Florida Retailers Association, which supports the move because it doesn’t ban the sale of balloons.
“I’m told Party City has signage that says ‘please don’t release your balloons,’” Chaney said. “It’s harmful. So this is a step in the right direction to change the culture.”
Local 10 News reached out to Party City and received a statement regarding their support of HB 321, which read:
“Party City, in partnership with the Coalition for Responsible Celebration and Florida Retail Federation, supports laws that prohibit the intentional release of balloons. We believe balloons can make any occasion special but should be enjoyed responsibly. Through in-store, online, and point of sale communications we work to educate our balloon customers about safe and responsible enjoyment, including guidelines for weighting balloons, not releasing them into the air and proper disposal. We make it easy for customers to enjoy responsibly by offering balloon recycling bins in all Florida Party City locations. Together, we believe we can protect the environment while responsibly celebrating life’s special occasions with balloons.”
The Florida Retail Federation also sent a separate statement in support, which read:
“Florida retailers are committed to helping families celebrate life’s moments safely and responsibly. Not only do Florida’s retail stores offer supplies and essentials for any celebration, but we also encourage safe disposal and recycling of materials such as balloons through education, outreach and deposit stations. By working together, we can continue family festivities while protecting the environment.”
Chaney believes the proposed law will educate the public to evolve the way we celebrate and mourn.
“I don’t believe they’re thinking of the harm they’re creating,” Chaney said. “Please don’t release your balloons. It’s harmful. It’s bad. They don’t go to heaven.”
Local 10 News will continue to track both pieces of legislation as they move forward.
The Miami Beach ordinance will come back before the city commission on Jan. 31.
If it passes, first-time offenders will receive a written warning – as long as they can pop the balloons and throw them into the garbage can immediately. After that, the fines will increase with each violation.
Florida-based nonprofit Balloons Blow offers a list of environmentally friendly alternatives to balloon releases for those who would like to commemorate their loved ones sustainably. For more information, click here.