Current Local Conditions
Fire Danger Map for Florida
Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI)
Current State-Authorized Burns
Open Burning
Per the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP):
Recreational Purposes
Recreational open burning of vegetative debris and untreated wood in a campfire, ceremonial bonfire, outdoor fireplace, or other contained outdoor heating or cooking device is allowed pursuant to subsections 62-256.700(10) and 5I-2.006(11), F.A.C., as long as the fire is attended at all times and completely extinguished before leaving the premises unattended. No authorization is required from DEP or FFS for recreational open burning.
Residential Yard Waste
Open burning of “yard waste” (defined as leaves, shrub trimmings, grass clippings, palm fronds, and brush) on residential premises of not more than two family units is allowed, provided that the below requirements in subsection 62-256.700(1), F.A.C., are met.
- The yard waste must have been generated on the same premise as where it’s being open burned.
- The open burning must occur between the hours of 8:00 AM CST (9:00 AM EST) to one hour before sunset.
- The open burning must be enclosed in a noncombustible container or be in a pile no greater than eight feet in diameter.
- The location of the open burn must be set back at least 150 feet from any occupied building other than that of the landowner, 50 feet from any paved public roadway, and 25 feet from any wildlands, brush, or combustible structure.
- The open burning must be attended with fire extinguishing equipment ready at all times.
- Authorization from FFS is not required for burning of residential yard waste; however, it is recommended that you still contact FFS regarding burn conditions for the day(s) you plan to open burn.
Residential Tree Cutting Debris
Open burning of “tree cutting debris” (trees, tree stumps, and tree limbs) on residential premises of not more than two family units is allowed, provided that the below requirements in subsections 62-256.700(2) and 5I-2.006(5), F.A.C., are met.
- The tree cutting debris being must have been generated on the same premises as where it’s being open burned.
- The open burning must occur between the hours of 8:00 AM CST (9:00 AM EST) to one hour before sunset.
- The location of the open burn must be set back at least 300 feet from any occupied building other than that of the landowner, 100 feet from any paved public roadway, and 50 feet from any wildlands, brush or combustible structure.
- The open burning must be attended with fire extinguishing equipment ready at all times.
- The moisture content and composition of material to be burned is favorable to good burning which will minimize smoke.
- Authorization from FFS must be obtained prior to conducting the open burning.
Information regarding the type of materials that can be open burned, restrictions on how/when/where it can be burned, and the types of authorizations needed to open burn can be found on FDEP's webpage here.
Who do I contact about smoke issues?
Contact the Orlando District Field Office of the Florida Forest Service if you are currently being impacted by smoke from open burning.
Manager: Mike Facente, Michael.Facente@FDACS.gov
Address: Orlando District Office
Florida Forest Service
8431 S. Orange Blossom Trl.
Orlando, FL 32809-7908
Phone: (407) 888-8767