Sea turtles and other wildlife can choke on them.
State law prohibits the release of more than nine lighter-than-air balloons within a 24-hour period. Violators face $250 in fines.
Exceptions are made for scientific or meteorological balloons released by a government agency or under government contract, hot air balloons recovered after launching and balloons released indoors.
A group called Bring Kids Home is having an event at 6 tonight at the site where Caylee’s body was found.
The law also allows for the release of biodegradable or photodegradable balloons.
Since 1989, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has received only one such balloon design for review, and that balloon was not approved.
Balloons released in Florida almost always wind up in the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Ocean, FWC officials said.
Wildlife, especially sea turtles, then mistake the balloons for food. Strings attached to balloons also can entangle birds and other animals.
