Independence Day falls on a Friday this year, and many people are stocking up on fireworks around Escambia and Santa Rosa counties to prepare for the big Fourth of July holiday.
But, even though a 2020 Florida amendment designates Independence Day as a “firework holiday,” those wishing to launch their own fireworks show in the city limits of Pensacola could end up facing civil fines – or more likely just having their fireworks confiscated.
Here’s everything you need to know about launching fireworks in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
How does Florida define fireworks?
According to Florida law, 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.”
Basically, that includes anything that flies, visibly explodes and/or audibly goes boom with the notable exception of sparklers, cap guns, smoke bombs, cigarette loads, party poppers and snappers, which were already legal to use in Florida.
Are fireworks legal in Florida?
Sometimes. Noisy or projectile fireworks are illegal in Florida, but a 2020 Florida law established three fireworks “holidays” when they are allowed: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and Independence Day, unless prohibited by local ordinance.
Floridians are also permitted to purchase and set off fireworks year-round provided they are used “solely and exclusively in frightening birds from agricultural works and fish hatcheries.” That’s why when Floridians go to fireworks tents throughout the year they must sign waivers affirming that they’re only buying a cartload of “Excalibur Platinum Artillery Shells” to scare away crows or something similar.
Escambia County’s noise ordinance begins at 10 p.m. each day and lasts until 7 a.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends. This ordinance prohibits loud noises that include but are not limited to noise emanating from loudspeakers or amplifiers, yelling and shouting or animals and birds.
Can I shoot fireworks in the city of Pensacola?
Short answer – no. If you live within the city limits, it is unlawful to discharge fireworks.
Even though Florida Statutes permit firework use on the three “firework holidays,” it also grandfathered in existing local laws and ordinances such as the city’s ordinances.
“It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or explode in or upon any street, public way or park within the city, or upon any private premises within the city, any fireworks … unless the discharging or exploding be performed under the direction, supervision and control of the city and a permit has been issued by the city,” Pensacola ordinance 14-3-68 states.
Pensacola’s city ordinances allow the use of sparklers within the city limits.
Can I shoot fireworks in Escambia County?
If you live outside of the city of Pensacola, launching fireworks is legal on designated holidays.
Although Escambia County has instituted an ordinance that prohibits the launch of fireworks within the county, much like Pensacola’s, Escambia County Public Information Officer for Public Safety Davis Wood told the News Journal the county updated its fireworks ordinance to follow the state’s three designated holidays.
Be wary, though. Escambia County’s daily noise ordinance remains in effect, so if your neighbors complain, law enforcement may show up at your door.
Can I shoot fireworks in Santa Rosa County?
According to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, the county follows Florida’s allowable use of fireworks during the Fourth of July, so if you live in the county you’re good to go on Independence day.
Be careful, though. The fireworks holiday does not change local noise ordinances, so if neighbors don’t appreciate how late into the night you’re shooting off the fireworks, it’s possible to get a visit from the SRSO.
Santa Rosa county institutes a residential property noise ordinance that does not allow any sound over 60 decibels from 9:01 p.m. to 6:59 a.m. Between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. that level rises to 70 decibels.
What are the penalties for launching fireworks in the city of Pensacola?
Pensacola’s city ordinances state any violation may result in a fine not to exceed $500, a term of imprisonment not exceeding 60 days or both. However, Pensacola Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Britney Sturgeon said officers will typically just confiscate fireworks if they receive calls from residents.
In previous years, Officer Mike Wood says the department has “never had to go beyond” simply confiscating the fireworks.
Wood said if someone reports the launching of fireworks, officers will ask the individuals to stop. If they refuse, then Wood says that’s when fireworks will be confiscated.
How late at night can I set off fireworks?
Let’s say you decide to launch fireworks despite the city’s ordinances, and your neighbors are generally fine with the noise unless it keeps them up at night.
The city of Pensacola has a noise ordinance that takes effect each day at 11 p.m. and lasts until 7 a.m. During these times, any loud or “raucous noise” that “annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of reasonable persons of ordinary sensibilities within the limits of the city” is prohibited.
The Palm Beach Post contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Can you shoot fireworks in Escambia and Santa Rosa? What to know
Reporting by Benjamin Johnson, Pensacola News Journal / Pensacola News Journal
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