Flagler County government bans intentional release of balloons, sky lanterns outdoors

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — It’s now illegal to intentionally release even one balloon outdoors in Flagler County.

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The Flagler County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously at its regular meeting on April 3 to approve an amendment to an existing ordinance to make it a violation of the county code of ordinances to release or organize the release of balloons or sky lanterns into the atmosphere.

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“It doesn’t prohibit balloons; it doesn’t prohibit celebrations with balloons, indoors or even outdoors,” Flagler County Assistant County Attorney Ronnie Moore explained during the meeting. “It does prohibit the intentional release of a balloon outdoors.”

Flagler County officials describe their ordinance as even more restrictive than Florida statutes that prohibit the release of 10 or more balloons within a 24-hour period.

According to Moore, there are currently bills in the Florida House and Senate that would remove the words “10 or more” from the statute.

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As for enforcement, Flagler County officials say violations of their amended ordinance will be treated the same as those for littering.

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