Spring Hill, FL Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Florida Statute 791.08, titled 'Use during designated holidays; exemption,' provides that this chapter does not prohibit the use of fireworks solely and exclusively during a designated holiday. The three designated holidays defined in subsection (2) are New Year's Day (January 1), Independence Day (July 4), and New Year's Eve (December 31). FS § 791.08(3) bars a homeowners' association board of directors from promulgating rules that attempt to abrogate a homeowner's right to use fireworks during a designated holiday (covenants in place before the law remain enforceable). The statute was enacted by Section 1, Chapter 2020-11, Laws of Florida (SB 140 of 2020). Outside the three designated holidays, FS Chapter 791 distinguishes between (1) sparklers on the approved list maintained by the State Fire Marshal under FS § 791.01(4) and 791.013 (legal year-round for consumer use), and (2) fireworks (FS § 791.01(4)(a)) including any combustible or explosive composition that produces a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration, or detonation - including firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, Roman candles, and similar devices - which may be used only under an FS § 791.02 outdoor public-display permit issued by the local fire authority (Hernando County Fire Rescue). Public fireworks displays require written applications submitted at least 15 days in advance to local authorities and must be supervised by competent, pre-approved operators in compliance with NFPA 1123. When Hernando County declares a burn ban under Chapter 12, Article VI of the Hernando County Code (most recently April 14, 2026, citing a Keetch-Byram Drought Index of 509, and April 27, 2025), fireworks and sparklers are included in the prohibited activities along with bonfires, campfires, and yard-debris burning. Ordinance No. 2025-02, adopted March 12, 2025, gave the Hernando County Fire Chief authority to recommend a burn ban to the County Administrator for faster administrative action when wildland fire risk is high, subject to subsequent board review.