Georgia's 2015-2018 fireworks law legalized consumer fireworks statewide and preempts local bans, so Chatham County's old prohibition (Code Sec. 21-201) is superseded. Adults may use consumer fireworks any day 10 a.m. to midnight, later around July 3-4, Dec 31 and Jan 1. The county may enforce noise limits, not prohibit.
Georgia legalized consumer fireworks for adults statewide. Under O.C.G.A. Sec. 36-60-24, a city or county cannot prohibit or further regulate the sale, use, or explosion of consumer fireworks unless expressly authorized by general law. That preempts Chatham County Code Sec. 21-201 and 21-202, which historically banned all fireworks. Per O.C.G.A. Sec. 25-10-2, consumer fireworks may be used any day between 10:00 a.m. and midnight, and additionally between midnight and 2:00 a.m. on January 1, July 3, July 4 and December 31. Local governments regulate only the time (through a noise ordinance during quiet hours) and use on public property, and may license public displays, but cannot outright ban backyard use.
Fireworks used outside legal hours or in violation of a local noise ordinance can be cited; unlicensed professional displays are misdemeanors. Report unsafe use to Chatham Emergency Services or, for emergencies, 911.
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