Your Fourth of July guide to Florida's firework rules
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
Firecrackers, skyrockets, Roman candles and other popular fireworks are illegal in Florida — except for the few times a year when residents are likeliest to use them.
Why it matters: The Fourth of July is one of three dates when Floridians are permitted to set off explosives, under a carve-out the Legislature passed in 2020.
Catch up quick: Florida law has a long list of banned fireworks types. Generally speaking, if it's loud, flies or explodes, it's probably illegal.
- But the ban is now suspended on Independence Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
- (Sparklers are OK year-round. Here's a list of state-approved ones.)
Caveat: The carve-out doesn't supersede any HOA rules or local government ordinances that predated it.
- Pinellas County is among the governments that were grandfathered in — don't light the fuse within its limits without a permit.
Governments and HOAs that didn't have bans on the books before 2020 are prohibited from banning fireworks on the three designated holidays.
Yes, but: Some will still try.
- Treasure Island, for example, plans to use ordinances that ban open flames and litter to crack down on fireworks for the Fourth.
Between the lines: Fireworks bans aren't just about noise and nuisance.
- Loud noises and artificial light can disrupt wildlife, so much so that airports use fireworks to scare birds away from runways.
- And, of course, the safety risk: 9,700 people were treated in ERs last year for fireworks injuries, per the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The bottom line: Legality aside, public safety officials stress that the safest way to watch fireworks on the Fourth is at a permitted, professional show.