Official Fireworks Are Cancelled Countywide. Personal Fireworks Are Illegal.
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) — In one of the more bizarre facts of Palm Beach County life, it’s legal to buy fireworks but it is illegal to set them off.
Area police departments, including Boca Raton and the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office, are reminding citizens that you CAN NOT set off your own fireworks even though public displays are cancelled this year.
Boca Raton PD transmitted this reminder a short time ago:
“Firework events are canceled this year around South Florida and the Country. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in individuals setting them off. While fireworks are legal to purchase in Florida, they are illegal to set off in the City of Boca Raton.”
And PBSO reminds everyone this time of year that fireworks can lead to fines or jail time.
Here’s the official PBSO “reminder”:
“FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL TO USE WITHOUT A PERMIT.”
Some of the illegal fireworks prohibited for normal resale are as follows:
– Common Bottle Rockets
– Firecrackers (Rolls)
– Standard Fireworks
– M80’s with Mortar
– M80’s
– Projectile Fireworks
– Launchable Rockets with Stands
(The above listed items are only a few samples commonly purchased by people that are prohibited for sale.)
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.
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.”
