This year the Fourth of July falls on a Friday, which means at least three days of booms and cracks echoing through your smoke-filled neighborhood as backyard pyrotechnicians light up the sky in celebration.
Is that legal in Florida?
Short answer: No. You’re only allowed to fire them off on Friday.
Here’s what to know.
Are fireworks legal in Florida?
Noisy or projectile fireworks are illegal in Florida for 362 days out of the year. A 2020 Florida law established three fireworks “holidays” when they’re allowed, subject to any grandfathered local ordinances:
Does Florida’s fireworks law allow exceptions?
However, Floridians also are permitted to purchase and set off fireworks on other days provided they are used “solely and exclusively in frightening birds from agricultural works and fish hatcheries.”
Fireworks dealers may ask you to sign a document affirming that you’re only buying fireworks to scare away crows or other agricultural use to get around the legal restriction.
Are any fireworks legal in Florida all year?
Harmless ones are. Consumer fireworks classified as 1.4G sparklers, including sparklers, fountains, ground spinners, snakes, glow worms and party poppers, are legal all year, according to the Florida Sheriffs Association.
According to Florida law, restricted fireworks are “any combustible or explosive composition or substance or combination of substances … prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration, or detonation.”
How old do you have to be to buy fireworks in Florida?
You must be 18 years of age or older to legally buy fireworks in Florida.
How late at night can I set off fireworks in Florida?
Technically, you have until 11:59 p.m. on July 4 when the official day ends and a new day begins.
However, nearly every community prohibits excessive, unnecessary or unreasonable noise so you’re better off using up the noisiest fireworks earlier in the evening. Contact your city or HOA for the specific noise or nuisance laws where you live.
What if my town or HOA has fireworks restrictions?
Florida law allows fireworks on those three days, but it doesn’t overrule any existing local government ordinances or neighborhood HOA covenants and restrictions that were already on the books. If it wasn’t OK in your neighborhood or city before 2021, it’s not OK now. Check with your local government or HOA for details.
There just won’t be any new restrictions. The law specifically prohibits cities and HOAs from creating new rules to prevent residents from taking advantage of the fireworks holidays.
Can I set off leftover fireworks the next day?
Legally, no. Unless you have signed an agricultural or fish hatchery exemption, you’re going to have to save them for New Year’s.
Can I be arrested for setting off fireworks in Florida?
Unlikely, unless you’re being really obnoxious about it. The statute makes selling fireworks a first-degree misdemeanor, apart from the listed exemptions, but there is no stated penalty for the people setting them off.
The statute does specifically say, however, that a sheriff or sheriff’s appointee may seize any fireworks in violation, and you can still be charged with violating local ordinances against noise or public disruption, or in relation to any damage caused, at the discrepancy of local law enforcement.
How can I keep my family safe using backyard fireworks?
More than 14,700 people were treated in emergency rooms last year for fireworks injuries and there were 11 deaths, according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. Of all the injuries, 37% were burns, with 36% of them to hands and fingers and 22% to the head, face and ears.
Here are guidelines for fireworks safety from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Florida Department of Financial Services:
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Are fireworks legal in Florida for Fourth of July? Buying them, when you can set them off
Reporting by C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
