Texas Fireworks

Texas allows consumer fireworks (1.4G) that conform to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Texas Department of Insurance standards; non-conforming fireworks may not be sold, possessed for sale, transported, used or exploded in Texas (Tex. Occ. Code 2154.252(a)). Display fireworks (1.3G) may be used only in a permitted public display run by a licensed pyrotechnic operator (2154.251(a)(6)). Within 1.4G, state law does not ban particular consumer types, but during drought (Keetch-Byram Drought Index 575 or higher) a county may ban or restrict the sale and use of "restricted fireworks" — skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins — in its unincorporated area, and in the December season may restrict them where rural land is extremely hazardous for fire (Tex. Loc. Gov't Code 352.051). Cities may prohibit or further regulate any fireworks inside city limits (2154.004).

In Texas, consumer fireworks (1.4G) may be offered to the public only at authorized retail locations, and all mail-order sales of 1.4G fireworks are prohibited (Tex. Occ. Code 2154.252(b)). Each retail stand must hold its own annual, nonrenewable retail fireworks permit, which expires January 31 (2154.202). Stands sell June 24 through midnight on July 4 and December 20 through midnight on January 1, plus extra windows a county commissioners court may approve — Juneteenth (June 14-19), Lunar New Year, Cinco de Mayo near the border, Texas Independence Day, San Jacinto Day, Memorial Day and Diwali. Fireworks sold must meet U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards (2154.252(a)). Many cities ban fireworks inside their limits (2154.004), which is why stands are often set up in unincorporated county areas — check that you may light them where you plan to use them.

In Texas, a consumer does not need a state permit to buy or set off consumer (1.4G) fireworks: chapter 2154 of the Occupations Code issues permits to sellers and display operators, not to buyers. Each retail stand needs an annual retail fireworks permit (Tex. Occ. Code 2154.202), a public display with 1.3G fireworks needs a public display permit and a licensed pyrotechnic operator (2154.204, 2154.251(a)(6)), and permits may not be issued to anyone under 18 (2154.201). Cities may still ban or regulate fireworks inside city limits (2154.004), counties can restrict skyrockets and missiles in drought (Tex. Loc. Gov't Code 352.051), and a local fire marshal can require a permit for flame effects or pyrotechnics before an audience (2154.253) — check local rules before lighting.