Be careful with fireworks on the Fourth

Everyone seems to want to shoot fireworks on the 4th of July, but before you light them – you might want to make sure they are legal. In Florida, only sparklers are legal for the general public to use without a permit. Illegal fireworks include shells and mortars, multiple tube devices, Roman candles, rockets and firecrackers. As a general guideline, anything that flies through the air or explodes is not allowed for consumer use. Using fireworks illegally is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. If you do plan to use legal fireworks this 4th of July – make sure to use your 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 sparklers. Light only one item at a time and never attempt to re-light a “dud.” Don’t use any unwrapped items or items that may have been tampered with and Keep a fire extinguisher or water hose on-hand for emergencies. It’s also a good idea to drop your used sparklers in a bucket of water.