What are the fireworks laws in Florida?

The rule is section 791.08 of the Florida Statutes, passed in 2020. It says the state's fireworks chapter, chapter 791, does not prohibit the use of fireworks solely and exclusively on January 1, July 4 and December 31.

Sparklers are treated differently. The state's definition of fireworks leaves out sparklers that the state has approved under section 791.013. Any sparkler the state has not approved is classified as fireworks.

The 2020 law does not override local rules. It says it is not meant to supersede local government regulation of the use of fireworks. In Santa Rosa County, for example, the sheriff's office says on its fireworks page that fireworks may be used only on those three dates, and that fireworks and sparklers are illegal in county parks and on Navarre Beach. The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office has its main office, which also houses the county jail, at 5755 E. Milton Road in Milton. Its non-emergency number is 850-983-1100.

Homeowners' associations have a part too. A fireworks ban written into an association's legally recorded declaration of covenants still applies. But an association's board may not make rules that try to take away a homeowner's right to use fireworks on those three days or under general law.

Before you buy or set off fireworks, check the rules of your city or county, and of your homeowners' association if you have one.

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