Monroe County Urges Residents To Leave Fireworks To Professionals

Monroe County Fire Rescue issued a public safety reminder on December 27, asking residents to leave fireworks to licensed professionals as New Year events approach. The county emphasized that all professional displays in unincorporated Monroe County must be permitted through the Monroe County Fire Marshal's Office, and it released a list of approved shows and approximate times to help residents plan and to reduce the risk of injury and property damage.

Monroe County Fire Marshal approved fireworks displays in unincorporated areas for the upcoming New Year. Ocean Reef Club is scheduled to hold shows on December 31 at 8 00 p.m. and 11 59 p.m. Bungalows Key Largo Resort will present a show at midnight on January 1. Bakers Cay Resort in Key Largo has a midnight show on January 1, and Hawks Cay Resort in Duck Key is scheduled for a midnight show on January 1. The county noted there are additional displays planned inside some municipalities.

The safety emphasis was underscored by Monroe County Fire Chief R.L. Colina. “We want everyone to ring in the New Year safely. Professional fireworks displays are designed with safety in mind, but backyard fireworks put people and homes in danger,” said Monroe County Fire Chief R.L. Colina. “Celebrate responsibly and help us make it a safe night for everyone.”

The permitting requirement gives the Fire Marshal a mechanism to coordinate safety measures, allocate emergency resources, and set conditions intended to protect attendees and nearby properties. For residents who live near approved shows the county advised keeping pets indoors and taking steps to reduce stress for animals during fireworks shows.

Monroe County government offices will be closed on Wednesday December 31 at noon, and will reopen for regular business on Friday morning January 2. Residents seeking permitting information or details about approved displays should consult the Fire Marshal page at monroecounty fl dot gov slash fireworks. The combination of permitted professional shows, coordinated oversight, and public cooperation aims to reduce accidental fires and injuries while preserving community celebrations.