BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) — If you just moved to Palm Beach County from a place like New York or New Jersey, or maybe haven’t given it much thought until now, PBSO wants to remind you that FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL IN PALM BEACH COUNTY. If you don’t have a permit, you can’t set them off. And as they do each year, deputies will be patrolling communities on July 4th to enforce compliance. Penalties range from a $1,000 fine to a year in jail.
Seriously.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is reminding all that anything that is fired into the sky is illegal without a permit, that includes (but is not limited to) Common Bottle Rockets. Firecrackers (Rolls) Standard Fireworks, M80’s with Mortar, M80’s, Projectile Fireworks, Launchable Rockets with Stands.
PBSO ALSO WARNS:
YOU SHOULD NOT SIGN “WAIVERS” in order to purchase fireworks. A “waiver” will not clear you of responsibility should you be caught using illegal fireworks. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office will be enforcing the use of illegal fireworks. Using fireworks illegally is a first degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
If you are using “legal” sparklers, novelties and trick noisemakers there is still a risk of injury. When lit, some sparklers can reach temperatures between 1,300 and 1,800 degrees, which are at least 200 degrees hotter than standard butane lighter.
PBSO ADDS:
Follow these precautions to celebrate safely:
Use sparklers and other “legal” novelties on a flat, hard surface. Do not light them on grass.
Use sparklers in an open area.
Keep children and pets at least 30 feet away from all ignited fireworks. Also keep in mind that livestock such as horses, cows, etc. can also be frightened by fireworks.
Light only one item at a time and never attempt to re-light a dud.
Don’t purchase or use any unwrapped items or items that may have been tampered with.
Keep a fire extinguisher or water hose on hand for emergencies.
Remember: “IF IT LAUNCHES OR EXPLODES, IT IS OFF LIMITS.”
