DeSantis signs bills on antisemitism, Jewish day school security funding, balloons

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed three bills on Monday relating to the definition of antisemitism, security funding for Jewish day schools and intentional balloon releases.

HB 187 – Antisemitism

The bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Rep. Randy Fine, R-Palm Bay, defines the word “antisemitism” as that of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition.

The alliance’s definition of “antisemitism” is a “certain perception of Jewish individuals which may be expressed as hatred toward such individuals. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish and non-Jewish individuals and their property and toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

Fine took to social media in celebration when the bill was signed.

“I’m proud to have led the most aggressive pro-Israel, antisemitism-fighting Agenda in America during my time in the House,” he said.

The bill had nearly 60 co-sponsors and will go into effect on July 1.

HB 1109 – Security for Jewish Day Schools and Preschools

Fine’s other legislation provides funding for Jewish day schools in the state to bolster their security resources.

Florida has already provided nearly $50 million in funding for the same issue, but Fine argued that a continuous amount was necessary to secure resources in the future.

It specifically requires the Department of Education to establish a fund for Jewish day school security hardening.

The legislation goes into effect on July 1.

HB 321 – Release of Balloons

Reps. Linda Chaney, R-St. Pete Beach, and Jim Mooney, R-Islamorada, sponsored the bill tightening restrictions on intentional balloon releases.

The legislation specifies that any person above the age of six commits a littering offense if they intentionally release a non-biodegradable balloon without expressed consent from authorities.

Florida’s litter law prohibits individuals from dumping litter on private roadways, waterways and private property, varying in penalties from noncriminal infractions to third degree felonies depending on the severity of the situation.

Florida currently prohibits people from intentionally releasing 10 or more balloons filled with a gas lighter than air within a 24 hour period. The penalty for a violation of this prohibition includes a noncriminal infraction punishable by a $250 fine.

The legislation will go into effect on July 1.