Miami Beach Prohibits Party Balloons in Public Marinas Parks and Beaches
City of Miami Beach,
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 1, 2024
Miami Beach Prohibits Party Balloons in Public Marinas,
Parks and Beaches
— Under the city’s new ordinance, violations will be enforced by civil fines based on the
number of balloons —
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.
###
To request this material in alternate format, sign language interpreter (five-day notice required), information on access for persons with disabilities, and/or any accommodation to review any document or participate in any city-sponsored proceedings, call 305.604.2ADA (2232) and select 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then option 6; TTY users may call via 711 (Florida Relay Service).