Fireworks: Scottsdale vs Surprise
How do fireworks rules compare between Scottsdale, AZ and Surprise, AZ?
Scottsdale and Surprise have similar restriction levels.
Scottsdale, AZ
Maricopa County
Scottsdale adopted Ordinance 4157 regulating fireworks use in compliance with state law. Permissible consumer fireworks (ground-based only) are legal only during state-designated periods. Aerial fireworks remain illegal. Fireworks are prohibited on all publicly owned property and in hazardous fire areas near the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
View full Scottsdale rules →Surprise, AZ
Maricopa County
Arizona law (ARS 36-1601 through 36-1613) restricts consumer fireworks. Only permissible consumer fireworks (ground-based, non-aerial) may be sold and used in Surprise. Aerial fireworks, firecrackers, and bottle rockets are illegal. Use is permitted only during designated holiday periods around July 4th, New Year's Eve, and Cinco de Mayo.
View full Surprise rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Scottsdale | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Ground-Based | Legal in designated periods | - |
| Aerial | Illegal statewide | - |
| Public Property | Prohibited at all times | - |
| Preserve Areas | Prohibited (fire hazard) | - |
| Legal Types | - | Ground-based only (sparklers, fountains) |
| Illegal Types | - | Aerial, firecrackers, bottle rockets |
| Dates Allowed | - | July 4th, NYE, Cinco de Mayo periods |
| Violation | - | Class 1 misdemeanor |
| Police | - | (623) 222-4000 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Scottsdale FAQ
Are consumer fireworks legal in Scottsdale?
Scottsdale adopted Ordinance 4157 regulating fireworks use in compliance with state law. Permissible consumer fireworks (ground-based only) are legal only during state-designated periods. Aerial fireworks remain illegal. Fireworks are prohibited on all publicly owned property and in hazardous...
When can I set off fireworks in Scottsdale?
Ground-Based: Legal in designated periods. Aerial: Illegal statewide. Public Property: Prohibited at all times. Preserve Areas: Prohibited (fire hazard).
Surprise FAQ
What fireworks are legal in Surprise?
Only permissible consumer fireworks (ground-based): sparklers, fountains, smoke devices, and ground spinners. Aerial fireworks, firecrackers, and bottle rockets are illegal.
When can I use fireworks in Surprise?
Permissible fireworks may be used June 24-July 6, December 24-January 3, and around Cinco de Mayo (May 3-5) and Diwali.
How do I report illegal fireworks?
Call Surprise Police at (623) 222-4000. Do not attempt to confront people using illegal fireworks.
Compare other topics
See how Scottsdale and Surprise compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool