TALLAHASSEE — Florida state officials are considering banning personal fireworks for the 2026 Fourth of July due to severe drought conditions that are currently affecting 90 percent of the state.
Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson warned that without significant rainfall, the widespread use of fireworks could ignite dangerous wildfires, potentially setting the entire state ablaze in a single evening. Simpson added that it would take at least a foot of rain to alleviate the severe drought conditions in most counties.
Over 2,100 wildfires have already been reported on state and federal lands this year, burning more than 136,000 acres. Burn bans are currently in effect across 40 of Florida’s 67 counties, making personal fireworks illegal in those areas. In Central Florida alone, seven counties including Orange and Seminole have active bans.
Attorney General James Uthmeier said residents who violate burn bans or cause wildfires through negligence could face fines or prosecution. Floridians are urged to check local restrictions before making holiday plans, as officials emphasize that alternatives to traditional fireworks displays may be necessary to ensure public safety.
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kmskepton
There would be as much attention paid to this as there is to the mangrove cutting regulations.
Thursday, May 21 Report this