Fire Regulations in Palm Coast, FL: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Palm Coast or are thinking about moving there, fire regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Palm Coast has 8 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fire regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Outdoor Burning

Outdoor burning in Palm Coast is governed by Section 25-52 of Chapter 25 of the City Code, the Florida Fire Prevention Code (8th Edition, NFPA 1, 2021), and Florida Administrative Code Chapter 5I-2 (Florida Forest Service - Open Burning). The Florida Forest Service has exclusive statutory authority under FS Chapter 590 to issue authorizations for pile burning; Palm Coast cannot issue pile burning permits. In September 2024 the Palm Coast Fire Department brought forward an ordinance amending Section 25-52 to remove the city fire marshal's authority to issue pile burning permits and surrender that authority to the Florida Forest Service. Yard-waste and household-trash burning is prohibited under FAC 5I-2.004. Outdoor fireplaces, kilns, ovens, outdoor cooking fires, and warming fires at work sites (when temperature below 45 degrees F) are still permitted without permits. When Flagler County declares a burn ban under Chapter 12 of the Flagler County Code, all open burning including fire pits and containers is prohibited countywide.

Key details: City Code: Palm Coast Ch. 25, Sec. 25-52. State Code: FFPC 8th Ed.; FAC 5I-2; FS Ch. 590. Pile Burn Permits: Florida Forest Service (exclusive). Prohibited Fuels: Garbage, tires, plastics, treated wood (FAC 5I-2.004). Always Permitted: Outdoor fireplaces, ovens, cooking fires.

Open burning of prohibited materials violates FAC 5I-2.004 and may be enforced by both the Florida Forest Service and the Palm Coast Fire Department. Pile burning without a Florida Forest Service authorization violates FS Chapter 590 and FAC 5I-2. Burning during a Flagler County emergency burn ban violates Chapter 12, Flagler County Code, and is enforced by the Flagler County Sheriff's Office and the Palm Coast Fire Department. FFPC violations are subject to FS § 633.228 penalties and Chapter 25 enforcement. Contact Palm Coast Fire Department at (386) 986-2300.

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

Brush Clearance

Palm Coast operates one of the most aggressive municipal brush-clearance programs in Florida. The Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Ordinance (Chapter 25, Article IV of the Palm Coast Code) was enacted in 2001 after the catastrophic 1998 Florida Wildfires and defines a wildfire hazard as brush on undeveloped lots averaging over three feet tall within 30 feet of an existing residential structure. Species specifically included in the brush definition are saw palmetto, gallberry, fetterbush, and wax myrtle, plus pine trees less than 5 inches in diameter at breast height. Vegetation must be bush-hog mowed (not root-raked, which leaves debris). Enforcement: if an undeveloped lot is in violation, the city sends the owner a letter advising them to clear the overgrown brush. If the owner does not remedy within 30 days, the violation is posted on the property for an additional 30 days. If still not remedied, the city arranges removal and bills the property owner. Palm Coast Code Enforcement administers the program.

Key details: Code Cite: Palm Coast Ch. 25, Article IV. Ordinance Year: 2001 (response to 1998 wildfires). Hazard Trigger: Brush > 3 ft tall within 30 ft of residence. Covered Species: Palmetto, gallberry, fetterbush, wax myrtle, pine < 5 in DBH. Required Method: Bush-hog mow (no root-raking).

Code Enforcement issues a 30-day written notice of violation requiring the owner to clear the brush. If not abated, the violation is posted on the property for an additional 30 days. If still unremedied, the city contracts the cutting and bills the owner; unpaid costs become a lien against the property. Continuing violations may be cited each growing season. Contact Palm Coast Code Enforcement.

This is one of the stricter rules in Palm Coast's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Fireworks

Florida law (FS § 791.08, enacted by Chapter 2020-11, Laws of Florida / SB 140) preempts local bans on consumer fireworks on three designated holidays: New Year's Day (January 1), Independence Day (July 4), and New Year's Eve (December 31). On those three days the City of Palm Coast cannot prohibit consumer fireworks. Outside those holidays, only sparklers on the State Fire Marshal's approved list (FS § 791.01(4)) may be used; aerial and explosive fireworks (rockets, mortars, Roman candles, firecrackers) require an outdoor public-display permit under FS § 791.02. Palm Coast adopted its own fireworks ordinance that mirrors state law; the Palm Coast Fire Department enforces fireworks rules under Chapter 25 of the City Code and the adopted Florida Fire Prevention Code. During a Flagler County declared burn ban, the discharge or use of fireworks, sparklers, flares, or other items containing any explosive compound is prohibited countywide.

Key details: State Statute: FS § 791.08 (Ch. 2020-11, Laws of FL). Permitted Holidays: Jan 1, July 4, Dec 31 only. Year-Round (sparklers): Approved sparklers only (FS § 791.01(4)). Public Display: Permit required (FS § 791.02). Burn Ban: All fireworks/sparklers/flares prohibited.

Use, possession, or sale of unlawful fireworks outside the three designated holidays is a misdemeanor under FS § 791.06 (first violation: misdemeanor of the first degree). Conducting an unpermitted public display violates FS § 791.02. Violations of the Palm Coast fireworks ordinance may be charged as a civil infraction or as a misdemeanor. Discharge during a Flagler County burn ban violates Chapter 12, Flagler County Code. The Palm Coast Fire Department and Flagler County Sheriff's Office enforce. Contact Palm Coast Fire Department: (386) 986-2300.

Backyard Fires

Backyard fires in Palm Coast are limited to recreational fires (3 feet diameter, 2 feet height of natural firewood, 25 feet from structures, attended) and portable outdoor fireplaces operated per manufacturer instructions with a 15-foot clearance, under the Florida Fire Prevention Code (8th Edition, NFPA 1, 2021) adopted via Chapter 25 of the Palm Coast Code. Cooking grills and barbecues are exempt. Under the September 2024 revision to Section 25-52, ceremonial fires, commercial land-clearing fires, and campfires now require authorization from the Florida Forest Service (Bunnell District), not the city fire marshal. Outdoor fireplaces, kilns, ovens, outdoor cooking fires, and worksite warming fires below 45 degrees F remain permitted without a permit. When Flagler County declares an emergency burn ban (most recently April 23 to May 14, 2025), open burning including the use of fire pits and containers is prohibited and outdoor cookers and grills are only allowed if continuously attended by an adult.

Key details: Recreational Fire Max: 3 ft diameter x 2 ft height. Recreational Fire Setback: 25 ft from structures/combustibles. Portable Outdoor Fireplace Setback: 15 ft (manufacturer instructions). Campfire/Ceremonial: FFS authorization (revised Sec. 25-52). Burn Ban Override: Flagler Co. Ch. 12; FS § 252.38(3).

Violations are enforced by the Palm Coast Fire Department under Chapter 25 and the FFPC. The fire marshal or designee may order an unlawful or oversized backyard fire extinguished. Campfires, ceremonial fires, or commercial land-clearing fires without Florida Forest Service authorization, fires burning prohibited materials, and fires conducted during a Flagler County emergency burn ban may all be cited. Contact Palm Coast Fire Department at (386) 986-2300.

Fire Pit Rules

Palm Coast regulates backyard fire pits through Chapter 25 (Fire Prevention and Protection) of the Code of Ordinances and the Florida Fire Prevention Code (FFPC), 8th Edition (2023), which adopts NFPA 1, 2021 and NFPA 101, 2021 with Florida-specific amendments and became effective December 31, 2023. The Palm Coast Fire Department, headquartered at 160 Lake Avenue and reached at (386) 986-2300, administers and enforces these rules. Under NFPA 1 recreational-fire provisions, fire pits must be three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height, kept at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, burn only seasoned natural firewood, and be attended by an adult with extinguishment means until fully out. Cooking fires in a grill or barbecue are exempt. When Flagler County declares a countywide burn ban (most recently April 23 to May 14, 2025), open burning including the use of fire pits and containers is prohibited and outdoor cookers and grills are only allowed if continuously attended by an adult.

Key details: Max Fuel Area: 3 ft diameter x 2 ft height (NFPA 1). Setback: 25 ft from structures/combustibles. Allowed Fuel: Seasoned natural firewood only. Code Cite: FFPC 8th Ed. (NFPA 1, 2021); Palm Coast Ch. 25. Burn Ban Authority: Flagler Co. Ch. 12; FS § 252.38(3).

Recreational-fire violations are enforced by the Palm Coast Fire Department under Chapter 25 of the City Code and the adopted Florida Fire Prevention Code. The fire marshal or designee may order an unlawful or oversized fire extinguished. Violations of the FFPC are subject to penalties under FS § 633.228 and city code enforcement procedures. Burning during a Flagler County declared emergency burn ban carries additional county-level penalties under Chapter 12, Flagler County Code. Contact the Palm Coast Fire Department at (386) 986-2300.

Wildfire Zones

Palm Coast lies in northeast Florida pine flatwoods and is one of the most wildfire-prone incorporated cities in Florida. The 1998 Florida Wildfires devastated Flagler County and large portions of Palm Coast, prompting the city to enact its Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Ordinance (Chapter 25, Article IV) in 2001. The city is built among thousands of platted but undeveloped lots covered in saw palmetto, gallberry, fetterbush, wax myrtle, and slash pine - all high-fuel-load species. The Florida Forest Service Bunnell District (covering Flagler, St. Johns, and Putnam counties) is the wildfire AHJ and monitors the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI). Flagler County has declared emergency burn bans multiple times in recent years, including June 2024 and April-May 2025, citing dry conditions and elevated wildfire risk. The Palm Coast Emergency Management page advises residents to maintain a Wildfire Action Plan.

Key details: Ecosystem: NE FL pine flatwoods (palmetto/gallberry/pine). Major Historical Fire: 1998 Florida Wildfires (Flagler Co. devastated). Florida Forest Service District: Bunnell District (Flagler/St. Johns/Putnam). WUI Mitigation: Palm Coast Ch. 25 Art. IV (2001). Burn Ban Authority: Flagler Co. Ch. 12; FS § 252.38(3).

Wildfire-related enforcement in Palm Coast happens through (1) Chapter 25, Article IV brush ordinance (Code Enforcement notice, posting, abatement and lien), (2) Chapter 25 / FFPC open-burning and recreational-fire rules (Palm Coast Fire Department), and (3) Flagler County emergency burn bans (Flagler County Sheriff and Palm Coast Fire). Non-permitted pile burning is enforced by the Florida Forest Service Bunnell District.

Compared to other cities, Palm Coast takes a harder line on wildfire zones. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke alarms in Palm Coast are required under the Florida Building Code as administered by the Palm Coast Building Division and the Palm Coast Fire Department, and under Florida Statute 553.883. New construction and substantial alterations require hard-wired, interconnected smoke alarms with battery backup in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the dwelling including basements and habitable attics. Effective January 1, 2015, any newly installed or replacement battery-powered smoke alarm in a one- or two-family dwelling or townhome must be powered by a non-removable, non-replaceable battery rated to power the alarm for at least 10 years. The Palm Coast Fire Department enforces under Chapter 25 of the City Code and the adopted Florida Fire Prevention Code. The Department also offers a community smoke detector program through (386) 986-2300.

Key details: State Statute: FS § 553.883 (10-year sealed battery). Florida Building Code: 8th Ed. (2023) FBC-R smoke alarm provisions. Required Locations: Each bedroom + outside sleeping areas + each level. New Construction: Hard-wired, interconnected, battery backup. CO Alarms: FS § 553.885 (new construction w/ fossil-fuel appliances).

Missing or inoperative smoke alarms in a regulated dwelling violate the Florida Building Code and FS § 553.883; violations may be cited by the Palm Coast Building Division (construction phase) or Palm Coast Fire Department (occupied buildings). FFPC violations are subject to penalties under FS § 633.228 and Palm Coast Code Chapter 25 enforcement. Contact Palm Coast Fire Department at (386) 986-2300.

Compared to other cities, Palm Coast takes a harder line on smoke detectors. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Propane Storage

Propane / LP-gas storage in Palm Coast is regulated by the Florida Fire Prevention Code (8th Edition) Chapter 69 incorporating NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code), and by Florida Statute Chapter 527 (Sale of Liquefied Petroleum Gas). The Palm Coast Fire Department enforces under Chapter 25 of the City Code. Florida law (FS § 718.113(7), as amended by Chapter 2018-96, Laws of Florida) permits LP-gas grills on condominium and multifamily balconies under specified conditions, modifying the prior NFPA 1 ban. Bulk LP-gas installations, dispensing, and commercial sales require licensure by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Bureau of LP Gas Inspection under FS Chapter 527 and a Palm Coast Fire Department permit. Residential 20-lb tanks must be stored upright outdoors in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources.

Key details: Code Cite: FFPC 8th Ed. (NFPA 1 Ch. 69 + NFPA 58) via Palm Coast Ch. 25. Condo Balcony Grills: Permitted by FS § 718.113(7) (Ch. 2018-96). State Licensure: FS Ch. 527 (FDACS Bureau of LP Gas Inspection). 20-lb Tanks: Outdoor upright storage only; no indoor. Commercial Install: Palm Coast Fire Department permit required.

Improper storage, unpermitted commercial installation, or unlicensed dispensing of LP-gas violates the FFPC (Palm Coast Code Chapter 25) and may also violate FS Chapter 527. Enforcement is by the Palm Coast Fire Department (city) and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Bureau of LP Gas Inspection (state). FFPC penalties under FS § 633.228 apply. Contact Palm Coast Fire Department at (386) 986-2300.

The Bottom Line

Palm Coast is tougher than many cities when it comes to fire regulations. Out of the 8 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Palm Coast, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Palm Coast can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.