Hendersonville, TN Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Tennessee's state fireworks framework is in Title 68, Chapter 104 of the Tennessee Code. Consumer fireworks classified as DOT Class C / 1.4G are generally legal for retail sale in Tennessee under TCA Chapter 68-104, but TCA 68-104-116 (Local Regulation) expressly authorizes counties and municipalities to regulate, restrict, or totally prohibit the sale and use of fireworks within their corporate limits. The City of Hendersonville has exercised that authority in Title 7, Chapter 4 of the Hendersonville Municipal Code, which requires a permit from the Fire Department for the discharge of consumer fireworks. Under Section 7-402 (Permit Required), permits are issued only for July 3 and July 4, from 5:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. - meaning discharge of consumer fireworks at any other time of year is prohibited within Hendersonville city limits. A 2023 Public Safety Committee proposal would have expanded allowed times to July 4 (10 a.m. to 11 p.m.) and December 31 (10 a.m.) to January 1 (1 a.m.); the City's published policy at the time of this writing maintains the July 3 and 4, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. window. Hendersonville sits within Sumner County, which itself bans consumer fireworks in unincorporated areas - so bringing fireworks into Hendersonville to discharge them outside the permitted hours is prohibited. The Tennessee SFMO has affirmed since 2011 that sky lanterns are 'special fireworks' under TCA 68-104-101(9), and may be operated only by a certified flame effect operator, certified outdoor display operator, or certified proximate pyrotechnic operator licensed by the SFMO. Sky lanterns found in possession of an unlicensed person may be confiscated and destroyed. Permitted public fireworks displays in Hendersonville require both an SFMO display operator's license under TCA Title 68, Chapter 104, Part 2 and local Hendersonville Fire Marshal's Office approval; the SFMO regulates display fireworks under Tennessee rules including 0780-02-07.