Minnesota Statewide Rule

Minnesota Consumer Fireworks Law and Restrictions

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Minnesota (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: Minn. Stat. 624.20-624.25
Aerial fireworks: Banned statewide
Legal items: Sparklers, fountains only
Minimum age: 18 to purchase
Public display: Licensed permit required

Last verified: August 20, 2026Source: Minnesota Revisor of Statutes

Summary

Minnesota state law permits only non-aerial, non-explosive consumer fireworks like sparklers, cones, and fountains. Aerial fireworks, firecrackers, bottle rockets, and Roman candles are illegal statewide regardless of local ordinance.

624.20 FIREWORKS. § Subdivision 1. Regulation. (a) As used in sections 624.20 to 624.25 , the term "fireworks" means any substance or combination of substances or article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or an audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration, or detonation, and includes blank cartridges, toy cannons, and toy canes in which explosives are used, the type of balloons which require fire underneath to propel them, firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, Roman candles, daygo bombs, sparklers other than those specified in paragraph (c), or other fireworks of like construction, and any fireworks containing any explosive or inflammable compound, or any tablets or other device containing any explosive substance and commonly used as fireworks. (b) The term "fireworks" shall not include toy pistols, toy guns, in which paper caps containing 25/100 grains or less of explosive compound are used and toy pistol caps which contain less than 20/100 grains of explosive mixture.

Source: Minnesota Revisor of StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Minn. Stat. 624.20 through 624.25, Minnesota legalized only specific 'consumer fireworks' in 2002: wire and wood sparklers, cylindrical and cone fountains, novelty items, and snakes/glow worms. Any firework that explodes, leaves the ground, or contains more than specified amounts of pyrotechnic composition remains illegal throughout the state. Cities may impose additional restrictions on permitted items but cannot legalize what state law prohibits. Permits for public display fireworks (aerial shows) require licensed pyrotechnicians under Minn. Stat. 624.22. Sale to anyone under 18 is prohibited. Possession of illegal fireworks is a misdemeanor.

Violations & Penalties

Possession or sale of illegal aerial or explosive fireworks is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days jail and $1,000 fine. Selling to minors carries additional penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bottle rockets legal in Minnesota?

No. Bottle rockets, firecrackers, Roman candles, and any firework that leaves the ground or explodes are illegal statewide under Minn. Stat. 624.20, regardless of city ordinance or where you purchased them.

Can my city ban sparklers Minnesota allows?

Yes. Cities can impose stricter rules than state law, banning even legal consumer fireworks like sparklers. However, no city can legalize fireworks that Minnesota state law prohibits.

Where can I legally buy consumer fireworks?

From licensed Minnesota retailers, including seasonal tents and permanent stores. Buying explosive or aerial fireworks in Wisconsin or other states and bringing them to Minnesota is illegal under state law.

Sources

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.