Iowa: Are fireworks legal?
Iowa allows adults 18 and older to buy and use consumer fireworks, including aerial ones, during set summer and winter periods.
Since 2017, Iowa law has allowed people to possess and use consumer fireworks, including 'first-class' items such as Roman candles, bottle rockets, firecrackers and aerial shells. Use is allowed only June 1 to July 8 and December 10 to January 3, generally from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., with later hours around July 4 and New Year's Eve. Use is limited to your own property or property where the owner consented. Cities and counties may prohibit or limit use by ordinance.
Conditions
- Must be 18 or older to buy
- Use June 1 to July 8 and December 10 to January 3
- Use 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., later on July 4, New Year's Eve and nearby weekends
- Only on your own property or with the owner's consent
- Cities and counties may prohibit or limit use
What the law says
A person or a firm, partnership, or corporation may possess, use, or explode consumer fireworks in accordance with this subsection and subsection 4. ... A person shall not use or explode consumer fireworks on days other than June 1 through July 8 and December 10 through January 3 of each year, all dates inclusive.
Sources
- Iowa Code § 727.2 (fireworks), 2026 Official · legis.iowa.gov
- Iowa Code § 10A.519 (first- and second-class consumer fireworks), 2026 Official · legis.iowa.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (State Fire Marshal)
- Phone
- 515-281-3425
- Website
- dial.iowa.gov
How bordering states compare
- Illinois Sparklers and ground fireworks onlyIllinois bans consumer fireworks except sparklers and novelties, unless an adult gets a local consumer display permit and completes approved training.
- Minnesota Sparklers and ground fireworks onlyMinnesota allows sparklers, fountains and other non-aerial, non-explosive items, but bans fireworks that explode or fly.
- Missouri Aerial fireworks allowedMissouri allows consumer fireworks, including aerial devices, with seasonal sales around July 4 and New Year's.
- Nebraska Aerial fireworks allowedNebraska allows 1.4G consumer fireworks, including aerial items, but bans wire sparklers and limits retail sales to dates around July 4 and New Year's.
- South Dakota Aerial fireworks allowedSouth Dakota allows the full range of consumer fireworks, but only during set summer and New Year's periods.
- Wisconsin Sparklers and ground fireworks onlyWisconsin allows sparklers, fountains and similar ground items, but anything that explodes or flies requires a local user's permit.