Did you know that most of the fireworks used in Jacksonville are illegal? Under Florida statutes, any firework that flies, detonates or explodes is illegal. Thanks to an exception in the law, vendors are free to sell everything from smokebombs to roman candles as long as the customer signs a waiver.
The waiver does not reduce the purchaser’s liability; it safeguards the seller in case of any injuries or damages resulting from the use of their products. Setting off banned fireworks is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and one year in jail if they are not being used for the stated exception.
Because of all the burn injuries we see in Jacksonville and Florida we reiterate that the best place to watch fireworks is a show put on by a professional, not your neighbor.
Remember to be safe this holiday weekend. If you are going to use fireworks use common sense and if you are going to drink please do not drive. If you are hurt please call The Law offices of Henry Gare at (904) 387-6101.