Fla. Stat. § 379.233: Release of balloons.

(1) The Legislature finds that the release into the atmosphere of large numbers of balloons inflated with lighter-than-air gases poses a danger and nuisance to the environment, particularly to wildlife and marine animals.

(2) It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to intentionally release, organize the release of, or intentionally cause to be released balloons inflated with a gas that is lighter than air except for any of the following:

(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 recovered after launching.

(c) Balloons released indoors.

(3) Any person who violates subsection (2) commits a noncriminal littering infraction, punishable as provided in s. 403.413(6)(a).

(4) This section does not apply to a person 6 years of age or younger.

History.—s. 1, ch. 89-113; s. 186, ch. 99-245; s. 53, ch. 2008-247; s. 1, ch. 2024-263.