Firework businesses push back on state hinting at Fourth of July restrictions

Businesses say it’s too premature to weigh in on Independence Day restrictions and hope rain comes soon.

TAMPA, Fla. — A worsening drought and burn bans across much of Florida are already impacting Memorial Day celebrations — and now raising questions about what could happen by the Fourth of July.

Professional fireworks shows are still lighting up the sky in some parts of the state this weekend, but others are pivoting to alternatives. The Venice Symphony swapped its annual fireworks display for a drone show, while Columbia County announced it would stop issuing fireworks tent permits altogether during the countywide burn ban.

This story continues below.

More in News

The concern comes after Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson warned last week that if drought conditions continue, fireworks restrictions could be considered ahead of the Fourth of July. He said the dry conditions create a serious fire risk, especially during large-scale celebrations.

“You could put the entire state on fire in one evening,” he said. “We probably ought to be considering alternatives.”

That possibility is already hitting fireworks businesses hard.

At Pyro Junkie in North Tampa, owner Jeff Siddle says sales have dropped dramatically this month as burn bans spread across the state and customers grow uncertain about whether they’ll be able to celebrate on Independence Day. 

“Definitely, our sales for the month of May have definitely fell, and fell drastically,” Siddle said. “It’s definitely halted sales, for sure.”

Siddle estimates the business is already down tens of thousands of dollars in revenue.

However, he also argues it’s too early to assume July 4th celebrations will be canceled, noting that Florida’s rainy season typically ramps up in late May and June.

“I think it’s a little premature to identify that it might be too dry to celebrate fireworks on July 4,” Siddle said. “There’s a lot of time for the Florida rainy season to kick in, like it always does.”

According to the state’s burn ban map, roughly two-thirds of Florida is currently under some form of burn restriction. During burn bans, fireworks are prohibited and residents are urged to use caution with anything that emits heat, including cigarettes and lawn equipment. Professional fireworks shows are still allowed with a permit, even though some are pivoting to alternatives.

For businesses like Pyro Junkie, the timing is especially significant. Siddle says most fireworks companies rely heavily on Fourth of July sales, and many have spent years preparing for 2026 celebrations tied to America’s 250th anniversary.

Fourth of July is one of three days a year in Florida where at-home fireworks and sparklers are allowed. Burn bans were in place over New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, prohibiting celebrations in many counties. Violations could result in fines up to $500 or up to 60 days in jail.

No official statewide decision has been made for restrictions for the Fourth of July yet, but residents are encouraged to diligently check burn ban restrictions leading up to the holiday.

10 Tampa Bay reached out to Busch Gardens, which is having a fireworks display Monday night, but did not hear back.