Firework Safety

Leave the Shows to the Pros!

FIREWORKS INFORMATION

FLORIDA FIREWORKS INFORMATION “What’s Legal, What’s Not”?
 
“LEGAL FIREWORKS” - Sparklers approved by the division pursuant to s. 791.013; toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns, or other devices. This also includes the following novelties and trick noisemakers: A snake or glow worm.
The sale and use of which shall be permitted at all times/year-round.
 
“ILLEGAL FIREWORKS” - Means and includes any combustible or explosive composition. Any article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration, or detonation. This includes blank cartridges/toy cannons in which explosives are used, the type of balloons which require fire underneath to propel them (sky lanterns), firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles, dago bombs, and any fireworks containing any explosives or flammable compound or any tablets or other device containing any explosive substance.
These fireworks are prohibited for use throughout the year with the following exception. In accordance with Florida Senate Bill 140 – Florida consumers are permitted to use these types of fireworks “only” on the following three dates: Independence Day - July 4th, New Year’s Eve - December 31st, and New Year’s Day - January 1st.
 
It is important to remember that fireworks injure thousands of people (most often children and teens) and cause over 100 million dollars in direct property damages. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks; devastating burns, injuries, property damages/fires, and even death.
Even sparklers (when lit) can reach temperatures between 1,200 and 1,800 degrees which is at least 200 degrees hotter than standard butane lighters.
For a list of hundreds of sparklers that are legal to use in Florida, visit the State Fire Marshal's website at https://www.myfloridacfo.com/division/sfm/bfp/approvedsparklerlists.htm



 

ENFORCEMENT
Fireworks Enforcement is listed in Florida Statute 791.001.
“Enforcement of this statute shall remain with local law enforcement departments and officials charged with the enforcement of the laws of the state”.
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2018/Chapter791
 
SAFETY TIPS
To celebrate safely, Floridians shall follow these precautions:
  • Use sparklers and other legal novelties on a flat, hard surface. Do not light them on grass.
  • Use sparklers in an open area. Keep children and pets at least 30 feet away from all ignited sparklers.
  • Light only one item at a time and never attempt to re-light a "dud."
  • Do not use unwrapped items or items that may have been tampered with.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher or water hose on hand for emergencies. It's a good idea to drop used sparklers in a bucket of water.
  • Only purchase fireworks from licensed vendors.
  • Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
  • Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
  • Never carry sparklers in your pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers
For more tips visit:  https://www.nfpa.org/fireworks  or https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/