Fireworks in Texas (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Texas permits consumer fireworks (class 1.4G) except bottle rockets and pop rockets below set sizes. Permit holders may sell from 24 June to 4 July and from 20 December to 1 January, and counties may approve further periods, but sale to children under 16 is unlawful. Fireworks may not be set off within 600 feet of churches, hospitals, schools and similar places without written authorisation.
| 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 [1] |
| When they may be sold to the publicConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Retail permit holders may sell from 24 June to 4 July and from 20 December to 1 January, and from 1 to 5 May in border-area counties whose commissioners court has approved it. A county commissioners court may approve further periods (for example around Lunar New Year, Diwali and the last Monday in May). [1] |
| Where they may not be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Not within 600 feet of a church, a hospital (other than a veterinary hospital), an asylum, a licensed child care centre, or a school or institution of higher education without that organisation's written authorisation; not within 100 feet of a place where flammable liquids or gases are stored and dispensed or where fireworks are stored or sold; not in or from a motor vehicle. [1] |
| Minimum age to possess or let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| When they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Fireworks 1.4G (consumer fireworks) are permissible, except small sky rockets ('bottle rockets'), small pop rockets and other items not acceptable to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. [1] |
| Local restrictionsConsumer fireworks (category F2) | State law does not limit the power of a municipality, or of a county where specifically authorised by law, to prohibit or further regulate fireworks by ordinance or order. [1] |
Notes
- State law does not use the European categories F1 to F4. "Yes" here means that state law lets the public buy and use consumer fireworks (the class 1.4G devices regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission) beyond sparklers and novelties. Sky rockets or bottle rockets under set sizes, pop rockets under set sizes and fireworks the Consumer Product Safety Commission finds unacceptable are not permissible (§ 2154.003(b), (d)). A county or municipality may enact an ordinance prohibiting or further regulating fireworks where specifically authorised by law (§ 2154.004(b)).
- The statute shows two versions of subsection (g) enacted in 2025 (H.B. 554 and H.B. 5084). The periods listed here are those common to both, plus the county-approved periods that appear in one of them or in subsection (h).
Sources
- Texas Legislature: Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 2154 (Fireworks) (Internet Archive snapshot of 18 December 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Texas 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | Yes (no bottle rockets) | 16 | 24 Jun-4 Jul; 20 Dec-1 Jan (+ county periods) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Within 600 ft of churches, schools, hospitals |
| 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 |
| Louisiana | Yes (permitted retailers, set periods) | 15 | 16 Jun-5 Jul; 15 Dec-1 Jan | ⚠ Not yet verified | Not within 1,000 ft of schools etc. |
| New Mexico | Yes (permissible fireworks incl. aerial) | 16 | Set periods (4 July, New Year, Cinco de Mayo) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Not on wildlands; drought bans |
| Oklahoma | Yes (no stick rockets) | 12 (under-12s only with an adult) | 15 Jun-6 Jul; 15 Dec-2 Jan | ⚠ Not yet verified | Within 500 ft of churches, schools, hospitals |
More rules in Texas
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 70 mph; 60 mph on unnumbered roads
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (Class C, after 6 months on permit) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner licence)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 15
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: No carry ban for blades up to 5.5 in · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: No (texting only) · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (minors may not buy) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (minors may not buy)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.