Burn bans complicate Fourth of July fireworks in parts of Florida

Driving the news: Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson told the News Service of Florida that recent rains have improved drought conditions, but "the risk of wildfire still exists in Florida and needs to be taken seriously."

• He urged residents to follow local burn regulations. Eight of Florida's 67 counties are under a burn ban, according to the state Forest service.
• Sarasota and Manatee are the only Tampa Bay counties currently under burn bans, which include personal fireworks. However, professional and public firework displays are still in the clear.

Between the lines: Florida is one of the few states with "firework holidays."

• Anyone over 18 has the legal right to set off fireworks in Florida on New Year's Eve, New Year's Day and Independence Day.
• But the "fireworks holidays," enacted in 2020, do not override HOA rules or any 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.

• Other governments have found workarounds: In 2024, Treasure Island relied on past ordinances banning open flames and litter to prohibit personal fireworks on Independence Day.