Police will not respond to fireworks noise complaints due to Senate Bill 140

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New Years 2016 – file photo/Ocala Post

The Ocala Police Department will not enforce local ordinances regarding noise or related violations involving fireworks due to Senate Bill 140.

Senate Bill 140

An act relating to fireworks; creating s. 791.08, 3 F.S.; defining the term “designated holiday”; providing an exemption for the use of fireworks solely and exclusively during a designated holiday; providing construction; providing legislative intent; prohibiting homeowners’ associations from promulgating certain rules or regulations; providing an effective date.

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

Section 1. Section 791.08, Florida Statutes, is created to read:

(791.08) Use during designated holidays; exemption.— As used in this section, the term “designated holiday” means:

  • New Year’s Day, January 1;
  • Independence Day, July 4; or
  • New Year’s Eve, December 31.

This chapter does not prohibit the use of fireworks solely and exclusively during a designated holiday.

OPD says they will not enforce the local ordinances regarding noise or related violations involving fireworks on the aforementioned dates only.

“Neighbors- unless there is blatant misuse or abuse observed that may result in the serious injury of someone or property damage, the Ocala Police Department will not respond to calls related to fireworks and fireworks noise violations,” OPD wrote in a press release.