Outdoor Burning
Did You Know...
Loose trash (escaped debris) burning is one of the leading causes of wildfires in Florida.
The Florida Forest Service administers Florida’s outdoor burning and forest fire laws.
Some types of burning require authorization from the Florida Forest Service while others do not.
Burning yard waste does not require authorization but you must follow the rules for your area.
Burning Authorizations
Are Required for...
Agricultural, silvicultural, land clearing, pile, and acreage burning all require a burning authorization from the Florida Forest Service (941-213-6978).
Are Not Required...
to burn yard waste as long as you meet the required setbacks and there are no local, city, or county ordinances in place that prohibits burning.
Report a Wildfire or Request a Burn Authorization:
(941) 213-6970
Florida Forest Service
Administrative Phone:
(941) 213-6971
What Is Yard Waste?
Yard waste is any vegetative debris such as grass clippings, brush, leaves, tree limbs, palm fronds, etc., that are a result of yard maintenance.
You may burn yard waste as long as...
You meet the required setbacks and no local city or county ordinances prohibit burning.
The yard waste was generated on your property and it will fit in an 8-foot diameter pile or non-combustible container.
The fire is ignited after 8 a.m. Central Time or 9 a.m. Eastern Time and is extinguished one hour before sunset.
Large Pile Burns
Piles greater than 8 feet in diameter will require...
an authorization from the Florida Forest Service
suppression equipment on hand and
additional setback requirements.
Required Setbacks for Yard Waste Burning
Outdoor Burning Tips
Clear an area down to bare soil around your pile to prevent the fire from spreading.
Cover a non-combustible container with wire mesh to keep sparks from flying out and starting new fires.
Check with your local city and county officials to find out if there are any restrictions in your area.
25 feet from forests
50 feet from paved public roads
25 feet from your house
150 feet from other occupied buildings