Pembroke Pines's Fire Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fire regulations a little differently. In Pembroke Pines, Florida, there are 4 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

Pembroke Pines regulates outdoor fireplaces and fire pits through § 93.01(B)-(C): they cannot be used to burn rubbish, trash, mulch, or landscaping debris, and every residential outdoor fireplace, permanent barbecue, or grill opening must carry an approved spark arrester, screen, or door. The code does not set a minimum setback distance from property lines or structures.

Key details: Governing clause: § 93.01(B)-(C). Waste-burning ban: no rubbish, mulch, or landscaping debris. Spark arrester: required on residential fireplace/barbecue/grill. Setback distance: not specified in this section. Max penalty: $500 fine or 90 days jail (§ 93.99).

Burning debris in an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, or operating one without an approved spark arrester, screen, or door in residential use, violates § 93.01(B) or (C) and is punished the same as any other open-burning offense under § 93.99(A): a fine of up to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both, with each day of the violation counted separately.

Outdoor Burning

Pembroke Pines Code § 93.01(A) bars igniting or burning any substance or material on public or private property citywide unless state law or regulation separately permits it. The only carve-out in the same subsection lets one- and two-family homeowners burn wood or tinder in a stove, oven, barbecue pit, grill, or fireplace for cooking or fuel.

Key details: Governing section: § 93.01(A), Open Burning Prohibited. Scope: all public and private property citywide. Cooking exception: stove, oven, barbecue pit, grill, fireplace. Exception limited to: One- and Two-Family Dwellings only. Max penalty: $500 fine or 90 days jail (§ 93.99).

Section 93.99(A) sets the penalty for any § 93.01 violation at a fine of not more than $500, imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or both, and each day the unlawful burning continues is charged as a separate offense, so an unextinguished pile can generate multiple counts.

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

Smoke Detectors

Pembroke Pines enforces smoke alarms through the 2023 Florida Building Code (adopted by reference under Code Section 150.11 with Broward County Administrative Provisions) and the 8th Edition Florida Fire Prevention Code (NFPA 1, 2021). FBC R314 / NFPA 72 require alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every story. F.S. 553.883 allows 10-year sealed-battery alarms in lieu of retrofit hardwiring.

Key details: Building Code: 2023 FBC (Sec. 150.11). Fire Code: 8th Ed. FFPC / NFPA 1 (2021). Required Locations: Each sleeping room, outside bedrooms, every story. New Construction: Hardwired + interconnected + battery backup. Existing Dwellings: 10-yr sealed battery OK (F.S. 553.883).

Failure to install or maintain required alarms can prevent issuance of a final building inspection and certificate of occupancy. Rental properties without functional alarms expose landlords to code enforcement and tenant remedies under Florida law. Tampering with or removing alarms in occupied buildings can be cited under the Fire Prevention Code.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Pembroke Pines actively enforces its smoke detectors requirements.

Fireworks

Florida permits sparklers and certain novelty items. Larger consumer fireworks are restricted under F.S. 791 with limited exceptions. Pembroke Pines enforces state fireworks laws.

Key details: Sparklers: Legal year-round. Consumer Fireworks: Legal on July 4th, NYE, Memorial Day. State Law: F.S. Chapter 791. Penalty: First-degree misdemeanor: up to $1,000.

Using fireworks outside permitted dates without proper documentation is a first-degree misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000.

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

The Bottom Line

Pembroke Pines is tougher than many cities when it comes to fire regulations. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Pembroke Pines, 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 Pembroke Pines 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.