Your Miami Criminal Law Questions Answered: “Can I Get Charged with a Crime in Florida for Setting Off Fireworks this Fourth of July?”
There is no question that fireworks are a major part of celebrations for many families across Miami, especially around the Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve, and other holidays. But while they may light up the sky and provide entertainment for family and friends, they can also land you in legal trouble if you are not careful. Many Miami residents are surprised to learn that setting off fireworks without proper authorization can result in criminal charges, even if they bought the fireworks legally at a local stand around Independence Day. To help Miami residents and their families better understand how Florida laws treat fireworks this Fourth of July, we discuss whether you can be charged for a crime for setting off fireworks in Miami, and where to go for legal help if you are charged with a crime in Miami here.
The 2024 Florida Statutes 791. 02 Sale of Fireworks; Rules and Regulations
Under Florida criminal laws, “…it is unlawful for any person, firm, copartnership, or corporation to offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail, or use or explode any fireworks….” Under Florida criminal laws, “fireworks” are defined as “…any combustible or explosive composition or substance or combination of substances or, except as hereinafter provided, any article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration, or detonation. The term includes blank cartridges and toy cannons in which explosives are used, the type of balloons which require fire underneath to propel them, firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, Roman candles, and any fireworks containing any explosives or flammable compound or any tablets or other device containing any explosive substance.” However, “fireworks” does not include “…sparklers…toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns, or other devices in which paper caps containing twenty-five hundredths grains or less of explosive compound are used, providing they are so constructed that the hand cannot come in contact with the cap when in place for the explosion; and toy pistol paper caps which contain less than twenty hundredths grains of explosive mixture, the sale and use of which shall be permitted at all times.” As such, Florida law generally prohibits the use of fireworks, but there are some exceptions. In addition, local ordinances may impose stricter limitations than Florida state laws. Finally, using fireworks in a manner that causes injury, damage, or poses a safety risk could land a person with criminal charges in Miami. As such, it is important to follow all local and state laws and regulations when it comes to your Fourth of July celebration in Miami.
Getting Legal Help in Miami – Miami Criminal Attorney
It is clear that the laws that limit the use of fireworks in Miami are complex, and even though a person is being careful this Fourth of July, they may wind up with criminal charges, if they run afoul of Florida laws. If you were charged with a crime in Miami and you need legal help, it is important to speak with an experienced Miami criminal attorney about your case as soon as possible. The experienced Miami criminal attorneys at AsiliA Law Firm are here to help individuals who have been charged with crimes in Miami. Contact AsiliA Law Firm today and speak with a lawyer about your case now.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0700-0799/0791/Sections/0791.02.html
>