Your Fourth of July guide to Florida's firework rules

Firecrackers, skyrockets, roman candles and other popular fireworks are illegal in Florida — except for the few times a year when residents are likeliest to use them.

Why it matters: The Fourth of July is one of three dates when Floridians are permitted to set off explosives, under a carve-out the Legislature passed in 2020.

Catch up quick: Florida law has a long list of banned fireworks types. Generally speaking, if it's loud, flies or explodes, it's probably illegal.

• But the ban is now suspended on Independence Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
• (Sparklers are OK year-round. Here's a list of state-approved ones.)

Caveat: The carve-out doesn't supersede HOA rules or any local government ordinances that predated it.

• Pinellas County is among the governments that were grandfathered in — don't light the fuse within its limits without a permit.
• Other governments have found workarounds: Treasure Island, for example, plans to use ordinances that ban open flames and litter to crack down on fireworks for the 4th.

Between the lines: Fireworks bans aren't just about noise and nuisance.

• Loud noises and artificial light can disrupt wildlife, so much so that airports use fireworks to scare birds away from runways.
• And, of course, the safety risk: 9,700 people were treated in ERs last year for fireworks injuries, per the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission .

The bottom line: Legality aside, public safety officials stress that the safest way to watch fireworks on the 4th is at a permitted, professional show.

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