Alachua County, FL Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Ch. 83, Alachua County Code
- Permitting authority
- County Manager or designee
- Application lead time
- 15 business days minimum
- Minimum liability insurance
- $5,000,000 ($100,000 property damage)
- Minimum bond
- $5,000
- Additional sign-offs required
- Fire Marshal and Sheriff written approval
Summary
Discharging fireworks in unincorporated Alachua County requires a special permit from the County Manager under the Fireworks Display Special Permitting Ordinance. Applicants must show experience and training, carry at least $5,000,000 in liability insurance, and post a $5,000 bond before a display is approved.
The County Manager is hereby authorized to issue the special permit upon the following conditions: (1)Written application for same must be made not less than 15 business days prior to its use.(2)The applicant must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the County Manager that they and all personnel under their supervision have sufficient experience, background and training in the discharge of fireworks to not endanger persons or property.(3)The applicant must furnish Alachua County, Florida, with a certified copy of an insurance policy...showing general comprehensive liability and property damage insurance with policy limits of not less than $5,000,000.00, including no less than $100,000.00 property damage coverage for each loss...(5)The applicant shall provide a bond in a sum not less than $5,000.00 conditioned for the payment of all damages which may be caused either to a person or to property by reason of the applicant's display...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 63).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 83, the "Fireworks Display Special Permitting Ordinance," applies only to unincorporated areas of the county and is meant to ensure operators are experienced, trained, insured, bonded and follow NFPA display standards (Sec. 01). The County Manager or a designee is authorized to issue the permit (Sec. 02). To get one, an applicant must file a written application at least 15 business days before the event, demonstrate sufficient experience and training among all personnel, and furnish a certified insurance policy showing general comprehensive liability and property damage coverage of at least $5,000,000, including at least $100,000 in property damage coverage per loss.
Applicants must also sign a hold-harmless agreement, purchase contractual liability coverage, and post a bond of at least $5,000 (increased to match any insurance deductible). C. 69A-3. Permits are non-transferable and valid only for the designated event, time and place; submittals go to the County Office of Codes Enforcement and must include the application form, a certified copy of the insurance policy, and a bond or check for $500 (Sec. 03).
Violations & Fines
Violations of Chapter 83 are enforced under Sec. 10.08 of the County Code. Continued violation, and each violation, and every day a violation occurs or continues, constitutes a separate offense (Sec. 83.04).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set off fireworks in unincorporated Alachua County without a permit?
How much insurance does a fireworks display need?
Who has to approve the application besides the County Manager?
What happens if I run an unpermitted or noncompliant display?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alachua County
How Alachua County compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Alachua County to another location·View the Florida fire regulations overview
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