Florida law preempts most local fireworks regulation. Since 2020, consumer fireworks may be used by residents only on New Year's Day, Independence Day, and New Year's Eve; on any other day only 'sparklers' and similar novelties are legal. Fort Lauderdale separately bans discharging any fireworks on the City Beach except during City-authorized special events.
Florida regulates fireworks under Chapter 791, Florida Statutes, which broadly preempts the field. Section 791.02(1) makes it unlawful to sell, use, or explode 'any fireworks,' while 'sparklers' (s. 791.01(8)) and certain novelties are exempt and may be used year-round. In 2020 the Legislature enacted s. 791.08, which provides that Chapter 791 'does not prohibit the use of fireworks solely and exclusively during a designated holiday,' defined as New Year's Day (January 1), Independence Day (July 4), and New Year's Eve (December 31). Within Fort Lauderdale, the City's Beach Rules and Regulations (section 7.5(i)) prohibit discharging any fireworks on the City Beach unless part of a City-authorized special event. Permitted public displays require a permit from the local governing body under s. 791.02 and must be conducted by an approved operator. Year-round, only s. 791.01(8) sparklers (handheld or ground-based devices that emit sparks, do not explode or fly, and contain no more than 100 grams of chemical compound) are legal for general consumer use.
Violations of Chapter 791 are a first-degree misdemeanor under s. 791.06, punishable as provided in ss. 775.082 and 775.083 (up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine for individuals). Discharging fireworks on the City Beach contrary to the beach rules is enforced by Fort Lauderdale Police and Ocean Rescue.
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Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Fort Lauderdale, FL
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