Charlotte County, FL – December 27, 2022
As preparations are made to ring in the new year, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office wishes to remind Florida residents that the private use of fireworks is legal on three holidays per year. Those holidays include New Year’s Eve (December 31), New Year’s Day (January 1), and Independence Day (July 4).
We kindly ask if you plan to use fireworks as part of your celebration to do safely, responsibly, and considerately. Here are some tips to help keep you safe:
- Familiarize yourself with the printed instructions of each style of firework you purchase, and carefully follow those guidelines
- Make sure you have a designated “launch area” that is a safe distance from people, homes, and vehicles – at least 150 ft of clearance is recommended
- Only 1 person, a responsible adult, should be permitted in the launch area. Children should NEVER be near fireworks
- Never hold a lit firework in your hands
- Keep unlit fireworks away from the lighting area to avoid accidental lighting
- Do not light fireworks on dry grass or brush, as these will easily burn and the fire will spread
- Have a 911-enabled phone readily available in the event of an emergency
- Never consume alcohol when lighting/using fireworks – have a designated lighter who remains sober
- For more safety tips, click here.
“I know that we are all excited about putting 2022 behind us, so I urge everyone – especially those celebrating with fireworks – to be smart and be safe. Otherwise, you could end up starting the new year in the Charlotte County Jail or worse, the hospital. Let’s make sure we kick off 2023 the right way… with all of our digits.”
Sheriff Prummell
Remember, not everyone enjoys fireworks. They can be traumatic for veterans and pets. Please be considerate of your neighbors.
Always dial 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency, and call (941) 639-2101 for non-emergencies.