Internet backs Ron DeSantis as he signs bill prohibiting 'intentional release' of balloons in Florida

MIAMI, FLORIDA: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill outlawing the "intentional release" of balloons within the state on Monday, June 24. 

The legislation was drafted by legislators in an effort to reduce the quantity of balloons that drift over the coast and wash up on the state's beaches. The bill's Republican sponsor, state representative Linda Chaney, cited backing from both cattle farmers and organizations dedicated to ocean conservation.

Linda Chaney says 'our beaches are the greatest asset that Florida has'

"Our beaches are the greatest asset that Florida has and not releasing a balloon is an easy way to protect our waterways and our wildlife," Chaney said, as per Fox News. "A released balloon is damaging and there’s nothing good about it," she added.

Chaney stated that DeSantis was concerned about the bill's potential to increase fines for residents of Florida. The possibility that children could be fined under the law particularly worried his office. "He was weighing the environmental benefits against the potential for fining people, when that’s not what we really want to do," Chaney told the Tampa Bay Times.

The bill was amended to exempt children who are six years old or younger

In the end, the bill was changed to exclude children under the age of six. "Floridians don’t want balloon litter in their backyard, at their favorite beach, or floating in local waterways, and neither do the hundreds of millions of tourists who visit the state every year," Emma Haydocy, a spokeswoman for the Surfrider Foundation, told the Times.

Cattle farmers and ocean conservationists agreed that animals may mistake stray balloons for food. Cattle and sea turtles have both experienced health issues as a result of consuming plastic that has blown into their surroundings.

Internet praises Ron DeSantis for signing the bill banning 'intentional release of balloons'

Netizens hailed the Florida governor after he signed a bill banning the "intentional release" of balloons within the state. One user tweeted, "Look at that. A Republican saving the planet." Another added, "This is something I agree with. People need to stop releasing balloons. It affects so many animals, waterways and wildlife."

"My God we agree on something," commented one while another chimed in, "So glad balloon releases are finally illegal in FL. They kill our water life and are hard on boat motors when sucked into your prop." "Good job Governor! Thank you! Now all Governors need to follow suit!" praised a user. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.