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Franklin County, OH Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Columbus
Discharge banned citywide
State Law
HB 172 (2022)
Hours
4 PM to 11 PM on holidays
Age
18+ to purchase
Fine (Columbus)
Up to 1,000 dollars

Summary

Consumer fireworks are legal in Franklin County under Ohio HB 172 (2022), but Columbus and several townships have opted out of discharge under ORC 3743.45. Where discharge is allowed, use is limited to specific state holidays between 4 PM and 11 PM, purchasers must be 18 or older.

City-specific rules exist: Columbus, Dublin, Grove City, and Westerville have their own fireworks rules that differ from Franklin County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Section 3743.45 | Purchase, use, and local regulation of consumer-grade fireworks.

(A) Any person who intends to obtain possession in this state of 1.4G fireworks purchased in this state shall obtain possession of the 1.4G fireworks only from a licensed retailer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed wholesaler and shall be subject to this section.

(B) Any person authorized under this section to possess 1.4G fireworks in this state may discharge, ignite, or explode those fireworks on private property, with authorization from the property owner, on the following days each year:

(1) The first day of January;

(2) Chinese new year's day;

(3) The fifth day of May;

(4) The last Monday in May, and the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding that day;

(5) The nineteenth day of June;

(6) The third, fourth, and fifth days of July;

(7) The first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before and after the fourth day of July;

(8) The first Monday of September, and the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding that day;

(9) Diwali;

(10) The thirty-first day of December.

(C) Fireworks discharged, ignited, or exploded pursuant to this section shall not be considered a public exhibition.

(D) A county, with respect to the unincorporated territory of the county, a township, with respect to the unincorporated territory of the township, or a municipal corporation may do either of the following:

(1) Restrict the dates and times a person may discharge, ignite, or explode fireworks purchased pursuant to this section.

(2) Ban the discharge, ignition, or explosion of fireworks purchased pursuant to this section. A resolution adopted by a board of township trustees under this division prevails over a conflicting resolution adopted under this division by the board of county commissioners in the county within which the township is located.

(E) This section does not limit the enforcement of any ordinance, resolution, or statute that regulates noise, disturbance of the peace, or disorderly conduct.

Source: ORC 3743.45 (HB 172)View official code

Full Breakdown

Ohio HB 172, effective July 1, 2022, legalized discharge of 1.4G consumer fireworks on designated holidays statewide: July 3-5, December 31 through January 1, Chinese New Year, Cinco de Mayo, Diwali, Juneteenth, Memorial Day weekend, and Labor Day weekend. The law permits political subdivisions to opt out by passing a resolution. The City of Columbus opted out and continues to prohibit consumer fireworks discharge within city limits under Columbus City Code 2501.13. Several Franklin County townships including Washington, Sharon, and Plain have passed opt-out resolutions; Jefferson, Truro, and others allow discharge per state default. Novelties such as sparklers, snakes, and snappers remain legal year-round statewide. Purchase requires state ID showing age 18+ and is permitted only at state-licensed retailers.

Violations & Fines

In Columbus, illegal discharge is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a 1,000 dollar fine. In opt-in townships, discharge outside designated holidays or hours is a minor misdemeanor with fines up to 150 dollars. Causing injury or property damage elevates charges and creates civil liability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set off fireworks on July 4th in Columbus?
No. Columbus opted out of HB 172 and continues to ban consumer fireworks discharge citywide. Violations are first-degree misdemeanors.
What about unincorporated Franklin County townships?
It depends on the township. Some opted out; others follow the state default permitting discharge on listed holidays 4 PM to 11 PM. Check with your township trustees before lighting.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Franklin County

All Franklin County rules

How Franklin County compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Franklin County to another location·View the Ohio fire regulations overview

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