There will be no statewide ban on fireworks this July 4th but with stubborn drought lingering and wildfires still burning, officials are urging caution during celebrations.
It’s been a question for weeks whether the state would impose its first statewide fireworks ban since 1998 but Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced June 23 that fireworks could proceed as usual except in counties where burn bans may prohibit them or if local governments say otherwise.
“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. “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.”
Since January 1, over 2,440 wildfires have burned more than 176,000 acres across Florida. This year’s wildfire season began with drought conditions at the end of 2025, leading to significant wildfire activity throughout the state.
As of June 18, 88% of the state was parched enough to be labeled as suffering some form of drought by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Stretches from the Everglades to the Panhandle were considered in extreme to exceptional drought.
The counties with burn bans include, Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Glades, Hardee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Sarasota, and Seminole.
Manatee County announced its burn ban on Tuesday, June 23, which bars the use of any explosive compound, sparklers, products using or containing pyrotechnic composition, flares, open burning and campfires.
While the Manatee ban is in effect until further notice, it notes that previously permitted public fireworks displays will continue as scheduled. Flares discharged over the Gulf are also permitted.
Manatee officials also stopped short of putting the kibosh on grilling. Outdoor cookers or grills, as well as devices that run on liquefied petroleum such as camp stoves and fire pits are also allowed.
“It only takes one spark to start a fire under these conditions,” said Manatee Emergency Management Chief Matt Myers. “We encourage everyone to avoid activities that could unintentionally ignite a fire and to follow the burn ban until conditions improve.”
Kimberly Miller is a journalist for the USA TODAY NETWORK FLORIDA. She covers weather, the environment and critters as the Embracing Florida reporter. If you have news tips, please send them to kmiller@pbpost.com. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at palmbeachpost.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: No statewide fireworks ban in Florida but 11 counties have burn bans
Reporting by Kimberly Miller, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Kimberly Miller, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
