When and where can I pop fireworks in Texas?

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and with it being America’s 250th birthday this year, celebrations will be big. But before you stop at your local fireworks stand, you should be familiar with the laws surrounding fireworks.

In Austin, fireworks are illegal to possess or use within city limits, unless a permit has been issued for a professional display, according to the city. Requests for aerial fireworks must be submitted at least 30 days ahead of the event.

Most major cities in Texas have similar fireworks bans in city limits, too.

At the state level, Texas only allows the sale and use of consumer fireworks under specific conditions. The Texas Occupations Code § 2154 outlines the laws surrounding who can sell fireworks, when sales are permitted, and what types of fireworks are allowed.

According to the Texas Association of Counties, the state allows the sale of fireworks during nine periods annually.

Those times are Fourth of July, December holidays (Christmas through New Year’s), Lunar New Year, Texas Independence Day, San Jacinto Day, Cinco de Mayo (only counties not more than 150 miles from Texas-Mexico border), Memorial Day, Juneteenth and Diwali.

Commissioners’ courts typically have to approve the regulation of fireworks within a certain timeframe ahead of each holiday.

The 2026 fireworks calendar can be found here.

According to Daly & Black P.C. Trial Lawyers, violations of fireworks laws can result in fines of up to $2,000 per incident and, in certain cases, criminal charges.

When Texas does allow the sale of fireworks, it only includes “consumer fireworks,” which are things like:

• Roman candles
• Sparklers
• Ground spinners
• Aerial shells (under specific size limits)

However, Texas law outright prohibits certain fireworks, which are considered too dangerous for consumer use. Those typically include:

• Sky rockets and bottle rockets
• Missiles with fins or rudders for aerodynamic flight
• Explosive fireworks exceeding 200 grams of pyrotechnic composition

Always check local burn bans and fireworks restrictions before popping fireworks.