Floridians worried about a possible statewide ban on fireworks due to drought and wildfire conditions can relax. On June 23, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Forest Service said there will be no statewide ban. But they urged caution.
“The past six months have been one of the state’s busiest fire seasons in recent memory, and though recent rains have helped rein in drought conditions, the risk of wildfire still exists in Florida and needs to be taken seriously,” Simpson said in a release. “As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding with fun, fireworks, and outdoor cookouts, let us do so responsibly to keep our communities and our first responders safe.”
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Much of the state has suffered from drought conditions, and dozens of counties have been under burn bans. So far this year, more than 2,440 wildfires have devoured more than 176,000 acres of state and federal land in Florida.
Residents in any county with a burn ban in place during the holiday will still be prohibited from setting off fireworks.
Are fireworks legal in Florida? All of them? Here’s what to know before you fire one up.
Are fireworks legal in Florida?
Noisy or projectile fireworks are not legal here, most of the time. There are only three days when they are allowed, subject to grandfathered local ordinances:
So, if you fire off your “America’s Backbone” artillery shells from your driveway on those specific three nights, you’re fine as far as the state is concerned.
But be safe. More than 13,000 people were treated in emergency rooms last year for fireworks injuries, and there were 15 deaths, according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. Of all the injuries, 38% were burns, with 35% of them to hands and fingers and 22% to the head, face, and ears.
Can I set off fireworks any other time in Florida?
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.
Your neighborhood explosions are limited to those three “fireworks holiday” dates. Except…
Floridians may also buy and set off fireworks provided they are used “solely and exclusively in frightening birds from agricultural works and fish hatcheries.” And many, many people seem to need this service. That’s why fireworks tents require you to sign a waiver.
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.
Can I set off fireworks before and after the Fourth of July?
No. Unless you have an agricultural or fish hatchery exemption, you’re going to have to save them for New Year’s. Your neighbors will probably thank you for sticking to the legal days as well.
What if my town or HOA has its own 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. If it wasn’t OK in your neighborhood, city, or county before 2021, it’s not OK now. Check with your local government or HOA for details.
But the law specifically prohibits local municipalities and HOAs from creating new rules to prevent residents from taking advantage of the fireworks holidays.
Can I be arrested for setting off fireworks in Florida if it’s not an approved holiday?
Probably not, unless you’re being unsafe or really annoying about it. You could be charged with violating local ordinances against noise or public disruption, or you could face criminal charges or civil suits for any damage caused. Check your local nuisance laws.
What are burn bans?
Burn bans are issued when the Keetch-Byram Drought Index hits 500.
The Keetch-Byram Drought Index is a reference scale that estimates the dryness of the soil and duff layers from 0 (no moisture deficit) to 800, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. It increases for each day without rain and goes back down when it rains.
The higher the number, the more favorable the conditions are for wildfires to ignite easily, burn intensely, and spread rapidly because more dry fuel is available. Wildfire suppression also becomes more difficult.
In counties under a burn ban, any burning on the ground where ash can easily be carried in the air is prohibited, as are campfires or bonfires, fire pits, trash burning, tossing lit cigarettes on the ground, unauthorized control burns, and fireworks.
When the holiday comes around, check your local county to see if fireworks are allowed.
C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Are fireworks legal in Florida? Only on these 3 days
Reporting by C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
