Pennsylvania Fireworks Law Changes: What You Need To Know

Want to ring in the New Year in Pennsylvania with a bang? Well now you literally can, thanks to expanded fireworks laws that were recently passed.

A piece of tax legislation passed on Oct. 30 permits the sale, purchase and use of aerial fireworks across the Keystone State to customers 18 and older. The law includes a 12 percent fireworks tax in addition to the six percent state sales tax.

According to sources, the law was designed to generate revenue needed to fill budget gaps. The 12 percent fireworks tax will go into a fund for first responders, reports the Pocono Record, one of the first media outlets to catch wind of the changes.

Previously, only out of state residents could buy aerial fireworks from the state's shops. Many popular retailers say they've already obtained the proper licensing to sell to Pennsylvania residents ahead of the New Year celebrations.

Sky King Fireworks, which has six locations in the state including one in Bucks County, announced that Pennsylvania residents 18 or older can now purchase aerial fireworks.

Phantom Fireworks, which has a store in Delaware County, announced that all of its seven Pennsylvania locations are now in compliance to sell aerial fireworks to local residents.

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