The Fourth of July is another festive time in Myrtle Beach as families celebrate this holiday weekend with plenty of patriotic spirit. Several towns or venues in the area put on public fireworks displays for spectators to enjoy. CLICK HERE to view Visit Myrtle Beach’s list of fireworks displays.
Please note: Discharging fireworks can be illegal within certain areas of the Grand Strand. Establishments that sell fireworks within Horry County are required to post the local municipalities’ rules and regulations regarding fireworks.
Fireworks Law In Myrtle Beach
The City of Myrtle Beach revised its fireworks law in 2022, making personal fireworks legal on private property, in order to comply with South Carolina state law.
Here’s what you need to know about the new law:
- The city’s new rule allows fireworks on private property – with limits about time and manner – but prohibits fireworks completely on the beach and on other public property.
- Violations of the new law now are a civil infraction instead of a misdemeanor, with a $250 fine for the first offense and a $500 fine for second and subsequent violations in the same year.
- Under the new law, fireworks are allowed on private property between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., subject to the property owner’s permission, and until 12:30 a.m. on July 5 and New Year’s Day. Again, fireworks are prohibited at all times on the beach and on other public property, with a fine of $250 for violations.
- Minors are not allowed to shoot fireworks at any time unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- It is illegal in Myrtle Beach to shoot or throw fireworks toward any person, animal, structure or vehicle, including golf carts. The $250/$500 fine applies for violations. It also is illegal to shoot or throw fireworks from a vehicle or to discharge personal fireworks within 500 feet of any church, hospital or school or within 300 feet of any gas station or business where flammable goods are sold.
- While fireworks are allowed on private property until 10:00 p.m., please keep your neighbors and pets in mind, and do not disturb their peace.
Fireworks Regulations Across The Grand Strand
- Fireworks are legal in the unincorporated parts of Horry County before 11 p.m.
- Fireworks are illegal in North Myrtle Beach, but an individual can possess fireworks as long as they don’t use, fire, shoot, discharge, burn or in any manner ignite or activate any fireworks within city limits. Violators will serve up to 30 days in jail and/or be fined up to $500, plus court costs.
- It is illegal to discharge fireworks in Surfside Beach without permission from the town council, except on July 4th when fireworks are only permitted in the area interpreted as the normal place that the high tide would rise to the ocean. This keeps people from shooting fireworks from or too close to the dunes, town officials said. Violators are subject to a fine of no more than $500.
FIREWORK HAZARDS & SAFETY
According to the National Safety Council, firework-related injuries and even deaths happen each year. While the majority of these incidents are due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade or other illegal fireworks or explosives, an estimated 1,200 injuries were from less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers. Additionally, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and nearly 17,000 other fires.
For more information and safety tips, visit https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/fireworks.