JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Balloon and sky-lantern releases are now banned in Jacksonville.
The city council voted in favor of the ban Tuesday night — joining similar bans in other parts of Northeast Florida, like St. Johns County and the beaches.
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Balloon releases are typically used during memorial services or for celebration purposes, but they become hazardous to the environment because they litter the waterways days after they’ve been released.
If caught releasing balloons in Jacksonville — the person(s) will face a $50 fine for the first offense.
In 2012, a state law was passed making it illegal to release more than 10 balloons in a 24-hour time span. The penalty ranges from $250 to $1,000.
St. Augustine issued a ban on balloon releases in Aug. 2021. The fine in St. Johns County would be a maximum of $500.
Atlantic Beach commissioners approved the ban in March 2020. A violation of the ordinance there could cost violators up to $1,250.
In Aug. 2019, Fernandina Beach unanimously approved a balloon release ban. The fine there for violations is $100.