Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs law reversing local bans on gas leaf blowers

Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald on Mar 24, 2026

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MIAMI – Gas leaf blowers aren’t just noisy — they spit out pollutants that affect health and contribute to climate change. That’s why cities including Miami Beach, South Miami, Pinecrest and Key Biscayne enacted bans to ditch gas-powered lawn equipment like leaf blowers and chainsaws for quieter and cleaner electric alternatives.

Now, those local efforts are being rolled back. On Monday, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the Florida farm bill that strips local governments of the ability to regulate the use of gas-powered equipment starting in July.

DeSantis said it’s not the government’s role to decide whether people use gas-powered tools.

“That’s your decision,” he said at a news briefing. “I like gas-powered better — I just think it’s more reliable. And if that’s what you believe, then you should be able to do that.”

None of the local municipalities prohibit gas-powered lawn mowers yet, but the legislation preemptively prevents all gas-powered lawn equipment from being banned.

According to the city of Miami Beach website, the mayor and commissioners chose to phase out gasoline-powered leaf blowers and chainsaws as part of the city’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Miami Beach Commissioner Laura Dominguez told the Miami Herald un February that there’s been support for the use of electric leaf blowers from neighborhood associations and residents since the city’s ban passed in 2022. If yard workers used gas-powered equipment, she said, code enforcement would give them a warning, “so it wasn’t a hindrance to business in Miami Beach.”

The Miami Herald talked to 10 lawn care companies about how the change will affect their work. Some of the representatives said that electric wasn’t powerful enough to get the job done or made them lose money. Others who operated in areas with bans said they already bought the equipment.

Evans Mercilus of GreenCutz landscaping said he likes electric equipment because of the environment and air quality, but the transition came with challenges.

“There’s pros and cons. Electric is great because we’re the ones breathing it in, especially working outside,” Mercilus said. “When you go to cities such as Pinecrest or Miami Beach, it’s like a different smell in the air. But it’s just expensive. If you’re doing 20 yards in a day, you probably need three battery packs with you.”

Amy Knowles, chief resilience officer in Miami Beach, said the removal of gas leaf blowers and chainsaws directly relates to the health of the community.

“It helps in preventing oil and gasoline spills that can negatively impact our environment and water quality, reduces air pollution from exhaust at ground level, supports our greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, and dramatically reduces noise levels,” she said.

Sandy Moise, a board member of the Sierra Club Miami, said she’s heartbroken to see Florida prioritize gas-powered equipment over the well-being of people and wildlife.

“This bill ignores the science and silences the communities trying to protect their environment,” Moise said.