Fireworks in Tennessee (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Tennessee allows retail sale of consumer fireworks to people aged 16 or over, with 16- and 17-year-olds needing a state photo ID or an adult. Seasonal retail sales are limited to set periods, and some counties and municipalities do not allow sale.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworksConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Yes [1] |
| Minimum age to buyConsumer fireworks (category F2) | 16 years [2] |
| Minimum age to possess or let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| When they may be sold to the publicConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Until 31 January 2027, seasonal retailers may make retail sales of fireworks from 20 to 30 May, 10 June to 10 July, 1 to 10 September and 10 December to 3 January. [3] |
| When they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Where they may not be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Some counties and municipalities do not allow the sale of consumer fireworks; the State Fire Marshal's list names Anderson, Fayette and Hamblen counties among those that do not. [1] |
Notes
- From the State Fire Marshal's public list of counties and municipalities, which says retail sale of consumer fireworks is allowed in the listed jurisdictions and not allowed in others. Snapshot of 5 September 2025; the list is subject to change.
- As enacted by Public Chapter 64 (2007) for 'Class C common fireworks'; the codified section itself was not readable from this server and later amendments to that subdivision were not found.
- Temporary provision in Public Chapter 1108 (2026), repealed on 1 February 2027. The standing seasonal retailer windows shown on the Department's permit application (snapshot of 5 September 2025) are 20 June to 5 July and 10 December to 2 January.
- The list covers only jurisdictions that responded; local requirements may differ and the list is subject to change.
Sources
- Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, State Fire Marshal's Office: Seasonal Consumer Fireworks Executive Signature List (Internet Archive snapshot of 5 September 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Tennessee General Assembly (Secretary of State publications): Public Chapter No. 64 (House Bill 349), 2007: amending Tenn. Code Ann. 68-104-112 and 68-104-114 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Tennessee General Assembly (Secretary of State publications): Public Chapter No. 1108 (Senate Bill 1964), 2026: fireworks seasonal retailer periods (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Tennessee and neighbouring states
| State | Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks | Minimum age to buy | When they may be sold to the public | When they may be let off | Where they may not be let off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | Yes where county/city allows sale | 16 (16-17 need photo ID or an adult) | 20-30 May, 10 Jun-10 Jul, 1-10 Sep, 10 Dec-3 Jan | ⚠ Not yet verified | Some counties/cities ban sale; check locally |
| Alabama | Yes (Class C consumer fireworks) | 16 (younger with an adult) | Seasonal: 20 Jun-10 Jul, 15 Dec-2 Jan | ⚠ Not yet verified | Within 600 ft of churches, schools, buildings |
| Arkansas | Yes (permissible Class C items only) | 12 | 20 Jun-10 Jul, 10 Dec-5 Jan (permanent shops: all year) | 20 Jun-10 Jul and 10 Dec-5 Jan | 600 ft from churches, hospitals, schools; local bans |
| Georgia | Yes (licensed sellers, 18+) | 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified | 10:00-23:59 daily; noise ordinances apply | Not indoors or on road/railroad rights of way |
| Kentucky | Yes (registered sellers) | 18 | 10 Jun-7 Jul; 26 Dec-4 Jan (seasonal) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Within 200 ft of buildings/people; local rules |
| Missouri | Yes (permitted retailers) | 14 (under 14 with parent) | Year-round (annual); seasonal 20 Jun-10 Jul, 20 Dec-2 Jan | ⚠ Not yet verified | 600 ft from schools etc.; local bans |
| Mississippi | ⚠ Not yet verified | 12 (no sale to under-12s) | 23 May-12 Jul; 5 Dec-9 Jan | ⚠ Not yet verified | Not within 600 ft of church/school/hospital |
| North Carolina | No (sparklers and novelties only) | 16 (sparklers and novelties only) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Banned statewide (sparklers and novelties excepted) |
| Virginia | No (only permissible fireworks) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Private property with owner's consent; local bans apply |
More rules in Tennessee
- Car speed limitsOutside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph (unless posted)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate restricted licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Knives no longer in the go-armed offence (2014) · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule; knives deleted from (a)(1) in 2014
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: No state minimum wage · Current adult minimum wage (gross): Federal $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Only passengers under 18
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.