Ocala, FL Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Ocala treats fireworks as generally prohibited rather than merely regulated. Code of Ordinances Section 38-155(a) makes it "unlawful for any person to possess, display, offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail, or use or explode any fireworks," carving out only a supervised public display for which the chief of police issues a permit to "a competent operator, who shall be approved by the chief of police and the chief of the fire department." The fire chief must inspect the planned display and confirm it will not be hazardous to property or endanger any person before it proceeds.

Subsection (b) requires the written application to reach the chief of police at least 15 days ahead of the display date, on forms the police chief develops and the city council approves, and states that any permit granted covers only that display and "shall not be transferable." Elsewhere in Article IV, Section 38-151 narrows what counts as regulated "fireworks" by excluding state-fire-marshal-approved sparklers and specific novelty items such as party poppers, snappers and trick matches, which Section 38-154 says may be sold and used at all times.

Section 38-156 separately bars anyone under 18 from purchasing or peddling sparklers. Two companion sections tighten the ban around crowds: Section 38-157 makes it unlawful to possess fireworks, sparklers or smoke devices on city or government property on July 4 without a Section 38-155 permit, and Section 38-158 extends that same prohibition to within 200 feet of a permitted parade route. Police officers, fire officers and deputy sheriffs may seize violating devices under Section 38-152.