Florida Gov. DeSantis signs bill banning balloon releases outdoors

Zoom in: Starting July 1, sending a balloon up into the sky will be considered a noncriminal littering offense, and could get you fined up to $150. Some of the money goes toward the Solid Waste Management Trust Fund's grant program.

Between the lines: The law, sponsored by two Pinellas Republicans, was a rare example of the state GOP backing a bill championed by environmentalists.

• Also rare: the pushback the wildlife-friendly bill got from the left. Several Democrats voted no when the bill passed in March.
• Tampa Democratic state Rep. Dianne Hart said she was concerned the fines would disproportionately affect Black residents, who often release balloons to honor deceased loved ones.