Licensing and Sale Seasons
A license is required to sell fireworks in Texas. The selling season is 7-10 days depending on state and city laws. Fireworks can’t be set off within 600 feet of a church, hospital, asylum, child care center or school without permission. They also can’t be set off within 100 feet of flammable liquids, fireworks storage or sale. Selling fireworks in Texas is legal from June 24th through July 4th and December 20th through January 1st for the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve holidays. Counties can also allow sales for Texas Independence Day, San Jacinto Day, and Memorial Day holidays.
An exam administered by the state fire marshal is required for pyrotechnic operators who put on public fireworks displays as well as retailers selling fireworks.
Safety and Use
Insurance starts at $1500 per year for a $1M policy to cover a couple small displays. Only sparklers and poppers are legal for consumers in New York.
Fireworks possession and use are regulated by state laws and city ordinances. Display fireworks possession without a license is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. Fireworks sales and use differ by city in Texas.
Local Restrictions and Consumer Information
Most cities in Texas have either banned fireworks or put down local regulations for which types are allowed. In most cases, it’s legal to set off fireworks on private residential property in unincorporated Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Rockwall, and Tarrant counties, if you’re 5,000 feet from city limits.
To purchase and possess fireworks, an individual must be at least 16 years old. According to the Texas Fire Marshal’s Office, fireworks cannot be used in specific prohibited areas.
Even though the sale and distribution of fireworks may be legal in many roadside outlets or county stands throughout the year, where Texans can set off their fireworks depends on local and state regulations. In Austin, fireworks are illegal without a permit, but outside the city, the story is different.