CAPE CORAL, Fla. -- As July 4th approaches, law enforcement in Southwest Florida are reminding everyone that all fireworks that fly or explode are illegal.
Cape Coral Police say that only sparklers, fountains, glow worms, and snakes are legal in Florida.
They say that officers could issue citations and/or make arrests the first time they see a violation. The noise ordinance ticket will run you about $100 and the misdemeanor fireworks charge can run up to $1,000 with a year in jail. However, since it is a misdemeanor, the officer must witness the violation occurring in order to make an arrest or issue a citation.
Most Floridians are aware of the loophole that allows businesses to sell illegal fireworks if a waiver is signed by the customer stating that the fireworks will be used for agricultural reasons. However, police say the waiver only protects the vendor, not you.
According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 12,900 firework-related injuries were treated in emergency departments and at least 8 firework-related deaths occurred in 2017.
