Florida Law Says It’s Illegal to Set Off Fireworks Before New Year’s

The Brief

Florida law allows consumer fireworks on just three days each year.
Those days are New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and the Fourth of July.
Fireworks are illegal on the days leading up to those holidays.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Under Florida law, residents may legally set off consumer-grade fireworks on only three days a year: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and July 4. Fireworks are prohibited outside of those dates, even in the days immediately before the holidays.

The law, which took effect in 2020, still allows cities and counties to enforce stricter local ordinances. In areas with tighter rules, those local laws override the state statute.

FOX 13 has received numerous calls from viewers concerned that fireworks noises could be mistaken for gunfire.

“A gunshot totally sounds different than a report with a firework,” said Jim Mason, owner of Pyro Jim’s Fireworks.

Others say enforcement is lacking and fireworks are often set off illegally.

What people are saying

Many residents said they don’t mind fireworks when people use them responsibly.

“I think it’s okay as long as they’re being safe and in an open space where there’s a minimal chance of anyone getting hurt,” said Samara Kelson of Tampa. “But doing it in the street where it could hit somebody isn’t safe.”

Timing also matters for some.

“Anything past 12:30, no,” said Scott Smith of Tampa. “But before that, I don’t really have an issue.”

Mason agreed that late-night use should be limited, except on New Year’s Eve.

“At this time of year, it’s usually midnight to about two in the morning because people are celebrating the New Year,” he said.

Safety concerns

Mason stressed that safety should always come first.

“Do exactly what the firework instructions say,” he said. “If you follow them, the chances of an accident are very slim.”

He recommends keeping basic safety supplies nearby, including a small fire extinguisher and a bucket of water.

People lighting fireworks should also protect themselves.

“Some people wear safety glasses,” Mason said. “If you’re not an adult, especially, wear eye protection and don’t stand over fireworks while lighting them.”

The other side

Some residents worry about the impact of fireworks on vulnerable groups, including veterans, people with PTSD or disabilities, and pets.

“It can be frightening for small children or animals,” Kelson said.

Smith noted that reactions vary. “Our current dog doesn’t mind them, but our previous dog hated them,” he said.

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