Doral's Fire Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fire regulations a little differently. In Doral, Florida, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Fire Pits & Backyard Fires

Doral bans open outdoor fires citywide, but Section 20-3 carves out a specific exception for cooking and recreational fires that expressly includes an outdoor fire pit. There is no separate fire-pit permit listed in the article; the fire simply has to fit within the recreational or cooking exemption or it falls back under the general ban in Section 20-2.

Key details: Governing section: Doral Code § 20-3(1). Base rule: Open burning banned citywide (§20-2). Fire pit exception: Noncommercial cooking or recreational fires. Enforcement: Code compliance dept. and police dept.. First offense fine: $250 citation.

Section 20-5 sets a $250 citation for a first violation of the open-burning article, $500 for a second, and for a third or subsequent violation a fine of up to $500 and/or up to 60 days in the county jail. Each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense, and the city may also pursue emergency injunctive relief on top of the citation.

Doral is more permissive than most cities when it comes to fire pits & backyard fires. That said, there are still limits.

Outdoor Burning

Doral bans open outdoor fires citywide under Sec. 20-2 unless one of the seven exceptions in Sec. 20-3 applies, such as recreational cooking fires or fire-department-supervised debris burns. A first violation draws a $250.00 citation, rising to $500.00 for a second and possible jail time after that.

Key details: Baseline rule: Open outdoor fires banned. First violation fine: $250.00. Second violation fine: $500.00. Third+ violation: Up to $500 + 60 days jail. Enforcing agencies: Code Compliance, Doral Police.

Sec. 20-5 fines a first open-burning violation at $250.00 and a second at $500.00; a third or later violation can draw a fine up to $500.00 and up to 60 days in the county jail. A cited violator must pay the fine or request an administrative hearing before a special magistrate within 20 days, and failing to do either counts as an admission of the violation and waives the right to appeal.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Doral actively enforces its outdoor burning requirements.

Fireworks

Fireworks in Doral are governed by Florida Statute Chapter 791 and Miami-Dade County ordinances. Consumer fireworks (formerly called sparklers) are legal for personal use on designated holidays: July 4th, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. Professional fireworks displays require permits from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Doral's proximity to MIA may impose additional restrictions near airport flight paths.

Key details: Legal Holidays: July 4, Dec 31, Jan 1. Minimum Age: 18 years old. State Law: Florida Statute Ch. 791. Fire Rescue: (786) 331-5000. Penalty: Up to $1,000 fine / 1 year jail.

Illegal fireworks use is a first-degree misdemeanor under Florida law, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 fine. Report fireworks complaints to Miami-Dade Police at (305) 476-5423 or Miami-Dade Fire Rescue at (786) 331-5000.

The Bottom Line

Doral's fire regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Doral is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Doral's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.