Are fireworks legal in Florida? What if there's an accident? 11 things you should know (2024)

The Fourth of July is coming up fast, and whether you plan to celebrate at home or travel to spend the holiday with friends and family, keep safety in mind.

Unfortunately, over the past 15 years, there has been an increase in the number of people injured over the holiday, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Last year at least 11 people died, and an estimated 10,000 were injured in incidents involving fireworks. A fireworks explosion Monday night killed a 43-year-old Michigan woman and injured nine other people, according to the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office.

Here's how to stay safe and if an accident does happen, what you can do.

Boom! Whoosh! Exploding mannequins illustrate what happens when you don’t handle fireworks safely

Are fireworks legal in Florida on the Fourth of July?

Noisy or projectile fireworks are normally illegal in Florida. However, a2020 Florida lawestablished three fireworks holidays when they are allowed: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and Independence Day.

On the three “designated holidays,” people setting off the kinds of popular fireworks found in stores and roadside stands — such as Roman candles, bottle rockets, aerial fireworks, fountains and other novelty firecrackers — will be able to do so without signing a waiver that the fireworks are being used "solely and exclusively in frightening birds from agricultural works and fish hatcheries."

Here's what else you should know:

• Fireworks permitted: Devices approved and listed by the state fire marshal which emit a shower of sparks upon burning, do not contain any explosive compounds, do not detonate or explode, are handheld or ground based, cannot propel themselves through the air, and contain no more than 100 grams of the chemical compound that produces sparks upon burning;snakes, smoke devices, trick noisemakers, party poppers, booby traps, snappers, trick match.
• Fireworks prohibited: Firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles, Daygo bombs, and any fireworks containing explosive or flammable compounds.
• Age in order to purchase: 18.

Want to read more? Florida statutes.

Fireworks laws by state: Looking for Fourth of July fireworks? Make sure you know these state laws

How to stay safe when using fireworks on July 4th

• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them, and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.
• Keep a fire extinguisher, bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• 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
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that did not ignite fully. Soak them with water and throw them away.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device.
• 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.
• Do not use unwrapped items or items that may have been tampered with.
• Only purchase fireworks from licensed vendors.

What injuries are most common when it comes to fireworks?

• Eyes: 14%
• Head, face and ears: 21%
• Hands and fingers: 31%
• Other, including legs, trunk, arms: 34%

What sort of devices cause the most injuries.

Based on 2021 reports:

• Firecrackers: 1,500 injuries
• Sparklers: 1,100

Do you know how hot sparklers burn?

Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees, which is hot enough to melt some metals.

How hot is that? The National Fire Protection Association breaks it down:

• Water boils at 212 degrees.
• A cake bakes at 350 degrees.
• Wood burns at 575 degrees.
• Glass melts at 900 degrees.

Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing. Now imagine what they can do to skin.

For children under 5 years old, sparklers account for nearly half of the total estimated injuries.

Who is most likely to be injured by fireworks?

Young adults 20 to 24 years of age had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries in 2021, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Children ages 10 to 14 had the highest rate of fireworks injury, with more than one-third (36%) of the victims of fireworks injuries under age 15, according to the National Fire Protection Association.Sparklers account for roughly one-quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries, according to the National Safety Council.

Fireworks in Florida: Let's make sure: Are fireworks legal in Florida?

How do you treat minor burns?

• Where the burned area is larger than the size of a person's hand, call 911 immediately.
• Hold the affected area under cold running water for a full 20 minutes.
• Use special care the burn is on a young child or an elderly person.
• All deep burns of any size will require urgent hospital treatment.
• After cooling the burn for at least 15 minutes, cover it with cling film or a burns dressing. However, if the burn is on a hand, insert it into a sterile plastic bag.
• Never rush to dress a burn. The most important treatment is to cool the burn under cool running water.
• All burns should be assessed by medical professionals.

What should you do if your clothes catch on fire?

Stop, drop and roll.

• Stopthe person whose clothing is on fire from panicking or running. Any movement or breeze will fan the flames, causing them to spread.
• Get the person to drop to the ground andwrapthem in a blanket, coat or rug. Try to use inflammable fabrics such as wool.
• Rollthe person along the ground until the flames have been smothered.

How do you treat a severe burn?

A severe burn exposes a person to a greater risk of infection, hypothermia and shock. Call 911 immediately.

• Start cooling the burn immediately under cool running water.
• Use a shower or hose if the burns are large.
• Keep cooling the burn while waiting for emergency personnel to arrive.
• Cool the area for a full 20 minutes. Ensure you are cooling the burn and not the person. Try to keep the person as warm and dry as possible.
• Make the person as comfortable as possible. If they are showing signs of shock, get them to lay down and elevate their legs.
• Remove any constricting items, such as jewelry or clothing, from the affected area (in case of swelling) unless they are stuck to the burn.
• Wear sterile disposable gloves if they are available.

Do not:

• Touch the burn
• Use lotions, ointments or creams
• Use adhesive dressings
• Pop or puncture any blisters

How do you treat an eye injury?

It is possible for debris and sparks from the fireworks to land in the eye and cause extreme discomfort.

• Always wash your hands thoroughly or wear sterile gloves before touching the affected area.
• Open the person's eye and look carefully.
• If there is anything embedded in the eye, cover both eyes and call 911.
• If you can see an object moving freely in the eye, use a sterile eyewash and gently irrigate the eye to remove it.
• Seek medical advice if the person is still in pain or discomfort.

Ideas to celebrate the 4th of July without setting off fireworks near your house

A few ideas to get into the patriotic spirit, without fireworks:

• Use glow sticks, they glow in the dark and are a safe alternative to sparklers.
• Use noisemakers, including confetti poppers or colored streamers to make a statement.
• Have an outdoor movie night.
• Get outside with some red, white and blue silly string.
• Make a patriotic craft with the family.
• Throw a birthday party for the USA, and don’t forget the cake.

Contributors: Scott Gleeson; C.A. Bridges; Nancy Niles