WINTER PARK, Fla. – Voters in Winter Park have repealed the ban on gas-powered leaf blowers following a recent referendum.
The repeal passed with 54.51% of the vote, totaling 2,479 votes in favor and 2,069 against.
The original ban, which was scheduled to take effect in July 2024, aimed to reduce noise and air pollution. However, it faced opposition from local landscapers and residents concerned about the costs of transitioning to electric equipment.
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During a special meeting earlier this year, landscapers expressed concerns about the financial impact.
“I can’t get an answer from anyone - who’s going to pay for it? Who’s going to pay for it? Currently our blowers cost about $500,” said Chad Carter, Winter Park resident and landscaper.
The city council had previously voted to delay penalties for non-compliance until January 2025, but the recent vote has now overturned the ban entirely.