Manatee County, FL Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Manatee County's fireworks ordinance, Sections 2-21-86 through 2-21-91, bans the sale, ignition, and explosion of fireworks throughout the county except as the article specifically allows. to the public," provided no sale goes to a minor. Anyone wanting fireworks to frighten birds from agricultural work or a fish hatchery must first file a sworn affidavit with the sheriff listing the exact use location, the names and addresses of everyone authorized to use the fireworks, the liability insurance policy number, the days and times of use, the storage location, and "the street address of each church, school, park and residence within two hundred (200) feet" of the use site.

Section 2-21-88(c) confines manufacturing, storage, or sale to permanent buildings on commercially or industrially zoned land, set back at least 200 feet from other structures and at least 1,000 feet from any residence or school, with an operating fire sprinkler system and NFPA Code 1124 compliance. Public displays require a permit under Section 2-21-89: a $50 nonrefundable application fee filed at least 30 days ahead, an ATF-licensed operator, and a $500,000 general liability policy naming the county as an additional insured; the county public safety director issues or denies each permit.

Section 2-21-90 automatically shuts down all fireworks sales and use, without further notice, whenever the Florida Division of Forestry Drought Index reaches 650 or higher for three consecutive 24-hour periods, though already-permitted July 4 displays are unaffected.