Facts About Outdoor Burning

• 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 an authorization from the Florida Forest Service while others do not.
• Burning yard waste does not require a burn authorization, but you must follow the rules for your area.

Activities That Require a Burn Authorization

The following activities require a burn authorization from the Florida Forest Service:

Current Burn Information

• Active Broadcast and Pile Burn Authorizations Dashboard (Numbers and Map)
• Active Broadcast and Pile Burn Authorizations Dashboard (Map Only) 

Large Pile Burns

Piles greater than 8 feet in diameter require a burn authorization from the Florida Forest Service. You are also required to have suppression equipment on hand. Contact your local Florida Forest field unit for setback requirements. 

Activities That Do NOT Require a Burn Authorization

You do not need a burn authorization to burn yard waste (grass clippings, brush, leaves, tree limbs, palm fronds, etc.) as long as:

• The pile is less than 8 feet in diameter;
• You meet the required setbacks; and
• The fire is ignited after 8 a.m. Central Time or 9 a.m. Eastern Time and is extinguished one hour before sunset.
• Check with your local Florida Forest Service Office to find out if there are any restrictions in your area.

Required Setbacks for Burning Yard Waste

The pile must be:

• 25 feet from forests
• 50 feet from paved public roads
• 25 feet from your house
• 150 feet from other occupied buildings

Tips for Burning Yard Waste

• 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 Florida Forest Service Office to find out if there are any restrictions in your area.

How to Get a Burn Authorization

Read Steps to Getting an Authorization [  624 KB ] , then contact your local Florida Forest Service field unit.