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Are fireworks legal in Texas? What you need to know before the Fourth of July

Here's what to know about whether fireworks are allowed in some of Texas' most populous counties.

Published June 30, 2025 at 10:02am by Marley Malenfant

Independence Day is just days away. Perhaps the most popular tradition of the holiday is watching fireworks explode. Maybe you want to do more than just watch the fireworks — like set off your own. That can be fun. But are you allowed to do that in Texas? Here's what to know about whether fireworks are allowed in some of Texas' most populous counties.

According to the Travis County website, fireworks are generally prohibited in Austin and surrounding areas. Fireworks are not allowed in Travis County parks.

If you live in Tarrant County, fireworks are only allowed in unincorporated areas of Tarrant County. Sparklers are also prohibited in Fort Worth city limits. For those who plan to have a fireworks show, you must have a permit from the fire marshal's office.

In Dallas County, fireworks are prohibited within Dallas city limits. The city ban extends 5,000 feet into unincorporated areas of Dallas County. Fines can be as much as $2,000 for each offense.

According to the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office, fireworks are legal in unincorporated areas of Harris County; however, they're restricted near certain establishments, including churches, schools, and hospitals.

Outdoor displays of fireworks 1.3G require a permit from the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office. The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office will conduct a site inspection and approval in accordance with Section 2154.204 of the Texas Occupations Code.

Fireworks are allowed in Bexar County's unincorporated areas, but they’re banned within San Antonio city limits. A person can't explode or ignite fireworks within 600 feet of any church, a hospital other than a veterinary hospital, an asylum, a licensed child care center, or a public or private primary or secondary school or institution of higher education unless the person receives authorization in writing from that organization.

What type of fireworks are permitted in Texas for the general public?

Texas only allows 1.4G fireworks, also known as consumer fireworks. Only small-scale fireworks commonly available in local retail stores — such as wedding sparklers, smoke bombs, snappers, roman candles, parachutes, firecrackers, and similar items — are permitted, provided they comply with the CPSC and DOT definitions for Consumer Fireworks.

Miniature fireworks, known as "sky rockets," are prohibited at all times if they meet the following, according to the state fire marshal's office :

  • They have less than 4 grams of propellant.
  • The casings have an outside diameter of less than 5/8 of an inch.
  • They are less than 3 1/2 inches in length.
  • The overall length, including the stick, is less than 15 inches.

Yes, but fireworks can only be sold during the following periods for holidays:

  • Texas Independence Day: Feb. 25-March 1
  • San Jacinto Day: April 16-April 21
  • Cinco de Mayo: May 1-May 5
  • Memorial Day: May 22-May 27
  • Independence Day: June 24-July 4
  • Diwali: Oct. 26-Nov. 1
  • Christmas/New Year's Day: Dec. 20-Jan. 1

Texans may also be restricted by county and city ordinances on where they may set off fireworks.

What is the latest you can set off fireworks in Texas?

There is no state regulation specifying the duration during which fireworks can be set off. Nor does the Texas Occupations Code mention a cutoff time for fireworks. However, it's best to check your local county and city rules if you plan on using fireworks.

When can Texans buy fireworks?

According to the Texas Department of Insurance, A retail fireworks permit holder may sell fireworks to the public only during the following periods:

  • Beginning June 24 and ending at midnight on July 4.
  • Beginning December 20 and ending at midnight on January 1 of the following year.
  • Beginning May 1 and ending at midnight on May 5, if the fireworks are sold at a location that is not more than 100 miles from the Texas-Mexico border and is in a county in which the commissioners court of the county has approved the sale of fireworks during the period.