Rutherford County, TN Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Tennessee state law (Tenn. Code Ann. Title 68, Chapter 104, Part 2) regulates the manufacture, sale, transportation, and use of fireworks. The State Fire Marshal licenses sales under §68-104-205, and §68-104-203 lists permissible consumer fireworks. Counties and municipalities may enact stricter rules. Rutherford County itself does not prohibit consumer fireworks in unincorporated territory, but specific cities have adopted their own restrictions. The City of Murfreesboro (Murfreesboro City Code, Chapter 12, Article III, Pyrotechnics) limits discharge to: July 3, July 4, and July 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; December 31 from 10:00 a.m. to midnight; and January 1 from midnight to 1:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Outside these windows, public displays require a permit from the Tennessee State Fire Marshal. Within Murfreesboro it is illegal to sell, use, or possess (a) mortar fireworks with a tube — single or multiple — greater than 1½ inches in diameter, (b) reloadable fireworks, or (c) bottle rockets. Discharge is also prohibited within 600 feet of any church, hospital, or public school; on public streets, sidewalks, parks, or in or from motor vehicles; and on private property without the owner's permission. Smyrna, La Vergne, and Eagleville have their own ordinances — confirm directly. Statewide, persons under 16 may not purchase fireworks; persons 16-17 must present photo ID. A 2023 amendment to §68-104 reclassified sky lanterns as 'special fireworks' restricted to certified flame effect operators, certified outdoor display operators, or certified proximate pyrotechnic operators — public possession or use is prohibited.