PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL — Fireworks are legal in Florida on Independence Day. Firing a gun into the air is not.
That is the message from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, which issued a pair of reminders this week ahead of the July 4 holiday weekend. Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control released a separate advisory the same week focused on pet safety and lost animals.
Together, the notices cover what county officials say residents should know before setting off fireworks, hosting guests or leaving pets at home during the holiday.
Fireworks and Florida law
According to PBSO, fireworks can be used without a permit on Independence Day under Florida Statute 791.08. The statute designates three holidays when the state's general fireworks restrictions do not apply: New Year's Day, Independence Day and New Year's Eve.
The statute also states that the law does not override fireworks prohibitions contained in a legally recorded homeowners' association covenant. It says a homeowners' association board may not create rules that attempt to take away a homeowner's right to use fireworks during a designated holiday.
PBSO said fireworks injure and kill thousands of people and animals each year and can cause severe burns, scars and disfigurement. The agency urged residents to celebrate responsibly.
Celebratory gunfire
The sheriff's office issued a separate reminder that celebratory gunfire is illegal. According to PBSO, firing a gun into the air is against the law and dangerous because stray bullets can cause serious injury or death.
Residents who want to report celebratory gunfire in their neighborhood can call PBSO at 561-688-3400, dial 911 or send a text to 911, the agency said.
Pets and lost animals
Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control said animal shelters typically see a 30 to 60 percent increase in lost pets between July 4 and July 6. The agency said July 4 is the top day for lost pets in the United States.
According to the agency, the best way to make sure a lost pet is reunited with its owner is a microchip with current registration information. Microchip information does not update automatically when a pet is adopted, the agency said, and it is the new owner's responsibility to register the chip and keep the address and phone number current.
The agency recommended walking dogs earlier in the evening to avoid fireworks displays, creating a safe indoor space with familiar toys and white noise, and locking doors, gates and windows. It also asked guests to be mindful of closing doors behind them.
PBSO offered similar advice for pets and livestock. The agency said residents with horses, cattle or other animals should check pastures, barns and stalls for hazards and secure fence lines and gate latches. Both agencies said pet owners with anxious animals should consult a veterinarian in advance about whether a sedative may be appropriate.
If a pet goes missing
Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control said pet owners whose animals go missing should post to the SNAP "lost" page as soon as possible and keep checking the "found" page. Lost and found pets can be searched at pbc.gov/SNAP. The agency said kennels at the shelter are open for viewing every day at noon for owners who want to look for their pets in person.
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