Title: Release of Balloons

Summary: Removing a provision authorizing the specified release of certain balloons; removing an exemption from such provision for biodegradable or photodegradable balloons, etc.

Full Text:
An act relating to the release of balloons; amending s. 379.233, F.S.; removing a provision authorizing the specified release of certain balloons; removing an exemption from such provision for biodegradable or photodegradable balloons; conforming a provision to changes made by the act; providing an effective date. Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: Section 1. Subsections (2) and (4) of section 379.233, Florida Statutes, are amended to read: 379.233 Release of balloons.  (2) It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to intentionally release, organize the release, or intentionally cause to be released within a 24-hour period or more balloons inflated with a gas that is lighter than air except for: (a) Balloons released by a person on behalf of a governmental agency or pursuant to a governmental contract for scientific or meteorological purposes; (b) Hot air balloons that are recovered after launching; or (c) Balloons released indoors;or (d)   Balloons that are either biodegradable or photodegradable, as determined by rule of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and which are closed by a hand-tied knot in the stem of the balloon without string, ribbon, or other attachments. In the event that any balloons are released pursuant to the exemption established in this paragraph, the party responsible for the release shall make available to any law enforcement officer evidence of the biodegradability or photodegradability of said balloons in the form of a certificate executed by the manufacturer. Failure to provide said evidence shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this act.(4) Any person may petition the circuit court to enjoin the release of or more balloons if that person is a citizen of the county in which the balloons are to be released. Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2023.