WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HF 702

A bill for an act relating to the sale and regulation of consumer fireworks.

2025-2026 Regular Session

HF 702 would have preempted local limits on fireworks on July 3, July 4, and December 31, keeping other dates under local control.

Withdrawn.
#consumeraffairs #fireworks
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 702

Summary — HF 702 (Withdrawn)

Title: A bill for an act relating to the sale and regulation of consumer fireworks.
Bill number: HF 702 — Introduced February 28, 2025
Subject: Consumer affairs — Fireworks
Status: Withdrawn (May 12, 2025)

Purpose and intent

HF 702 (as amended) sought to limit the ability of county boards of supervisors and city councils to adopt local restrictions on the use of consumer fireworks, display fireworks, and novelty fireworks on specific high‑use holiday dates. The intent was to preempt additional local limitations for those dates while leaving local authority on other dates more intact.

Key provisions

  • Amendment H-1301 (adopted May 12, 2025) replaced the bill text to amend two Code sections:
    • Section 331.301(17) (county supervisors): prohibits a county board from prohibiting or limiting use of consumer/display fireworks or novelties on July 3, July 4, and December 31 (i.e., counties may only prohibit/limit fireworks on days other than those three dates).
    • Section 364.2(6) (city councils): same restriction for cities — a city may not prohibit or limit fireworks on July 3, July 4, or December 31.
  • Both amendments reference Code section 727.2(4), which defines permitted periods and hours for consumer fireworks use under state law (see below).
  • Amendment H-1073 (filed March 12) struck certain original language earlier in the process; H-1301 ultimately superseded the bill text.
  • Title change: the title was amended to focus on county and city regulation (removing the phrase “the sale and”).

Relevant existing state rule (Code section 727.2(4))

Under current law (quoted in bill documents), consumer fireworks use is generally allowed:
- June 1 through July 8 and December 10 through January 3 between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., with exceptions:
- July 4 (and the Saturday/Sunday immediately preceding and following July 4): 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- December 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. on January 1
- The Saturdays and Sundays immediately preceding and following December 31: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

HF 702 would have prevented local governments from imposing additional restrictions on July 3, July 4, and December 31 beyond the state allowances described above.

Who would be affected

  • County boards of supervisors and city councils — reduced ability to place additional restrictions on fireworks use on the three specified dates.
  • Residents and visitors — potentially greater ability to use fireworks on those dates regardless of local preferences.
  • Fireworks retailers and event organizers — potentially clearer statewide expectations for those holiday dates.
  • Public safety officials, emergency responders, and neighboring landowners — possible increased demand for enforcement, fire risk, noise and nuisance concerns on those dates.

Legislative timeline and procedural status

  • Feb 28, 2025: HF 702 introduced and placed on calendar.
  • Mar 12, 2025: Amendment H-1073 filed (struck portions of original text).
  • Apr 3, 2025: Placed on calendar under unfinished business.
  • May 12, 2025: Amendment H-1301 filed and adopted; H-1073 noted as out of order; SF 303 substituted; HF 702 withdrawn the same day.
  • Final status: Withdrawn (did not become law).

Practical effect (if enacted)

The bill would have preempted local regulation that is more restrictive than state allowances on July 3, July 4, and December 31, while preserving local authority to prohibit or limit fireworks on other days (for reasons of public safety or nuisance) consistent with section 727.2(4). Because the measure was withdrawn, no change to current law occurred.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.