Overview
- State leaders announced in late June 2026 that Florida will not impose a statewide fireworks ban for the July 4th 250th anniversary celebrations and left restrictions to local authorities.
- The Florida Forest Service reports 2,440 wildfires so far this year that burned about 176,000 acres and said the season peaked with 114 active fires on April 21.
- Ten counties currently maintain countywide burn bans — Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Orange, Osceola, Sarasota and Seminole — and officials urge everyone to check local rules before using fireworks.
- Manatee County issued a strict countywide ban that outlaws sparklers and other pyrotechnic items, and state officials warned they will enforce bans and seek prosecution for unsafe burning that causes fires or injuries.
- Officials from the Agriculture Department, the Florida Forest Service and the Attorney General’s office advised simple precautions such as supervising children around sparklers, keeping a water source nearby and being prepared to extinguish any flare-ups, and they warned new local restrictions or enforcement actions could follow if holiday fires occur.