Miami Beach Prohibits Party Balloons in Public Marinas, Parks and Beaches

Miami Beach, FL – Seeking to keep local waterways clean as well as protecting birds and marine life, the Miami Beach City Commission voted to ban party balloons in city parks, public marinas, marine facilities and along city beaches.

“We are surrounded by natural beauty and it’s our duty to prevent harm to our marine life,” explained Miami Beach Commissioner David Suarez, who sponsored the ordinance. “Our environment must always be at the heart of our commitment to the city.”

The State of Florida prohibits the release of 10 or more balloons within a 24-hour period in the case of balloons that have been inflated with any gas lighter than air. Such offenses are considered a noncriminal offense. The Miami Beach ordinance goes a step further by banning balloons altogether in a public marina, public marine facility, park or city beach.

An educational written warning will be provided to any person or entity with balloons at any public marina, marine facility, public park or beach, unless they’ve had a previous warning within the preceding 12 months. The first violation of the Miami Beach ordinance by a person or entity within a 12-month period will carry a $100 civil fine for each balloon up to $1,000. Fines will increase for repeated violations within the prior 12 months.

Please help to keep our wildlife safe and waterways clean. Environmentally friendly alternatives to balloons include paper garlands, banners, streamers, flowers, pompoms, pinwheels, bubble-blowing solution and kites.

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