Firework Safety

Leave the shows to the pros!

Exploding Fireworks Are Illegal In Florida

Under Florida law, only sparklers, approved by the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal, are legal for consumer usage. It is illegal to use exploding and/or flying fireworks in Florida, which include: shells and mortars, multiple tube devices, Roman candles, rockets and firecrackers.

July 4th, PSA

July 4th PSA Transcript

This fourth of July the Walton County Safety Coalition urges you to leave the firework shows to the pros. Fireworks that explode or leave the ground are illegal in Florida and can cause severe injury or death. A single spark can ignite a home or cause wildfires in dry conditions. Free professional firework shows are scheduled throughout Walton County to maximize your enjoyment and to reduce the chances of fires and injuries. Remember, fireworks that explode or leave the ground are dangerous and illegal. Stay safe and leave the shows to the pros.

SWFD Recommended Guidelines


As a general guideline, anything that flies through the air or explodes is not allowed for consumer use. Floridians should not sign "waivers" in order to purchase fireworks. Signing a waiver will not clear a consumer of responsibility should you be caught illegally using fireworks, which is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. 

There is still a risk of injury with the use of legal sparklers. When lit, some sparklers can reach temperatures between 1,300 and 1,800 degrees - at least 200 degrees hotter than standard butane lighters. For a list of hundreds of sparklers that are legal to use in Florida, as well as safety tips, visit the State Fire Marshal's web site at Fireworks Information. 

To celebrate safely, Floridians should 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." 
  • Don't use any 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.