BALLOON MISSION · COLLECT · PROTECT · PRESERVE
U.S. Balloon Policy & Laws
Every state and municipality in the U.S. has a litter law to protect public health and the environment. Balloon Mission's U.S. Balloon Policy & Laws page is a resource for understanding how we are addressing balloon releases, balloon litter, and responsible balloon use. Here, visitors can explore current laws, pending legislation, and policy tools that help prevent balloons from becoming pollution, harming wildlife, or creating safety hazards.
By bringing together official government sources, interactive maps, and action-oriented resources, this page helps individuals, educators, and lawmakers stay informed and support practical solutions that protect people, animals, and the environment.
Today, relying on AI-generated search results can be problematic—outdated information, ambiguous legal language, and even social media rumors can confuse which laws have passed or died. To cut through the noise, we've compiled reliable data straight from each state's government website to help you champion the environment, encourage responsible balloon practices, and take action in your community!
Balloon Mission is different from most environmental groups. We're not balloon haters. We do hate where they end up: on the land and in the ocean as harmful litter, where balloons do not belong.
How Balloon Laws protect us:
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Balloon laws recognize that intentionally releasing single-use balloons can harm people, animals, and the environment. While every state has a litter law, balloon-specific laws establish a clear societal standard, protect us from harm, and signal a code of conduct for responsible balloon use.
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Some laws prevent balloons (filled with lighter-than-air gas) from being released or organized for release.
- Other laws require specific guidance for manufacturers and balloon sellers to prevent accidental releases, fires, and power outages.
- Some states ban the release and/or sale of electrically conductive foil balloons to prevent fires in dry areas, and safeguard people and infrastructure from power outages.
ACTION: Balloon Mission raises public awareness of balloon laws and local ordinances by posting information signs and collection bins to encourage responsible balloon practices.
MAP - U.S. Balloon Policy & Laws
To help understand balloon legislation in the U.S., we’ve created an interactive MAP that includes states with balloon laws, a summary of the act, exemptions, penalties, and specific requirements for manufacturers and retailers. Information is sourced from state government websites, not AI search engines, which can be incorrect. Hover over each state on the map to learn more. A link to the source document is included. Our goal is to update the map quarterly. For any new bills or passed legislation, please notify us here.
Current States with Balloon Laws:
- 12 STATES ban or limit the outdoor release of lighter-than-air balloons: CA, CT, DE, FL, HI, LA, ME, MD, NV, RI, TN, VA.
- Amendment to the Litter Law: Only one state, Maine, specifically includes balloon releases as a violation of the state’s litter law. Penalties include fines or community service.
2025 Legislative Activity
Balloon Legislation TAKES OFF in 2025! A monumental session: 16 states introduced bills, and 2 passed!
- As the balloon industry innovates and grows with new products and color palettes, there has been little oversight or accountability for the litter or waste it creates. Public concern about balloon impacts is growing, and calls to regulate balloon releases are increasing.
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In the 2025 legislative session, a record 16 states introduced bills to limit or prevent intentional balloon releases more than doubling the previous session! (AZ, IL, KY, MA, MS, MO, NH, NY, NC, OR, PA, SC, TX, WI)
Legislative Highlights and Language:
An Act prohibiting releases
Under these laws, some states prohibit and penalize the release of just one balloon, while others have higher thresholds, such as ten or twenty-five.
Penalties/Fines
Generally, penalties or fines apply to intentional releases, excluding accidental ones. Penalties can vary based on the number of balloons released and/or whether the violation is a first or repeat offense. A violator may be subject to fines (ranging from $25 to $2,500) and/or be mandated to complete educational instruction or community service. Louisiana (eff: 08.01.2026) has the strictest multi-tiered penalties to date.
Exemptions
Most states exclude balloons that are accidentally released or any acts by minors with varying ranges from 6-17 years old. Many states exempt balloons released by the government for scientific or meteorological purposes, as well as hot air balloons recovered after launch. Some exceptions also include language regarding biodegradable or photodegradable materials, as well as those that degrade within five minutes or less upon contact with air or water. (Products labeled or marketed as biodegradable should be clearly defined, tested, and verified by accredited organizations.)
Local Ordinances
The link to the PDF spreadsheet includes detailed information and links, such as municipalities that have enacted ordinances to ban or limit balloon releases such as: Mobile, Alabama; Boulder, Colorado; Louisville, Kentucky; New Orleans, Louisiana; Cincinnati, Ohio; municipalities/Counties in Long Island, New York; 26 counties and Townships in New Jersey; Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina; Galveston, Texas; and Bainbridge Island, Washington.
WANT TO TAKE ACTION?
Urge your state lawmakers to protect our ocean by passing a ban on balloon releases with the Ocean Conservancy's Take Action tool.
LEARN TO CREATE POLICY
Link to Surfrider's policy toolkit: Provides resources and strategies to advocate for policies reducing balloon pollution.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
LEARN WHERE BALLOON LITTER IS FOUND:
Mid-Atlantic SURVEY FINDINGS (2018-PRESENT): (DE, MD, NJ, NY, VA) Research and Survey MAP evidencing balloon litter. MARCO Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal.
Policies & Laws:
UPDATES? Contact us and let us know!
Because this landscape is ever-changing and broad, we invite the public to help keep this page current by sending updates on new ordinances, bills, and policies in their state and communites at this link or email to info@balloonmission.org