ORLANDO, Fla. – For many, fireworks are a staple of Independence Day celebrations, but before you set off those colorful displays, it is crucial to know what’s legal in your city.
Small fireworks like sparklers are allowed year-round, but there are restrictions on larger fireworks and rules about when and where you can set them off.
At Galaxy Fireworks on the corner of Edgewater and John Young Parkway, customers over 18 can choose from more than 200 types of fireworks. But in Florida, there are only a few days each year when certain fireworks can be legally used.
“You can only fire the ones that go off the ground and make a loud noise three days a year, which is the Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve day, and New Year’s Day,” Tent Manager at Galaxy Fireworks Greg Van said.
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If you want to use those fireworks on any other day, you need a permit.
“Other than that, you have to have a special form for Florida Statute 791, which shows that you’re scaring away birds from your farm or something like that,” Van said.
There are also municipal ordinances to consider.
“Make sure you check your local, your county, and your state laws because your state law is an umbrella. But counties and municipalities can implement their own laws. Most of it has to do with time. As far as how loud and how late you can light them off. Usually about 10:00, 11:00 p.m.,” Van added.
Here are a few rules from around Central Florida:
- In Orange County, a recent ordinance restricts all fireworks to just July 4, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
- In Volusia County, fireworks are banned on all beaches. Several cities including Daytona Beach, Deland, Deltona, Edgewater, New Smyrna Beach and Ponce Inlet have ordinances prohibiting fireworks
- In Cocoa Beach, fireworks are prohibited on the beach and in public parks
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Even homeowners’ associations may have their own rules and restrictions for fireworks, so it’s important to check with them as well.