Fort Myers's Outdoor Cooking: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles outdoor cooking a little differently. In Fort Myers, 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.
Smoker Rules
Fort Myers requires grills and hibachis to stay at least 10 feet from structures at apartments and condos, and requires a fire marshal permit for outdoor fireplaces, patio heaters, and open or recreational fires.
Key details: Grill setback: 10 feet from structures (multi-family). Open fire setback: 50 feet from any structure. Recreational fire setback: 25 feet unless contained. Bonfire duration: Limited to one hour. Permit required: Fire marshal permit for outdoor fires.
Violating the outdoor fire or cooking-device rules draws a citation under section 1-14, enforceable in county court or before the city's code enforcement board, with fines and required corrective action.
BBQ & Propane Rules
In Fort Myers apartments and condos, propane grills, hibachis and similar cooking devices can't be used on balconies, under overhangs, or within 10 feet of any structure: a rule aimed at multifamily buildings, not single-family homes.
Key details: Restricted devices: Hibachis, grills, similar cooking devices. Minimum clearance: 10 feet from any structure. Exempt: One- and two-family dwellings only. Not exempt: Single-family attached homes (townhomes). Citation authority: Fort Myers Code § 1-14.
Violating the outdoor-fires article triggers a citation under Sec. 1-14; unresolved citations go to the county court or the city's code enforcement board, with fines and penalties for confirmed violations.
Outdoor Kitchen Permits
Fort Myers requires prior fire marshal approval before any outdoor fireplace, permanent barbecue, or grill is built, installed, or maintained, under the city's outdoor fires ordinance.
Key details: Approval required: Fire marshal sign-off before install. Governing section: Sec. 40-33, Outdoor Fires article. Structure setback: 10 ft, grills at multi-family. Site inspection: Required before permit (Sec. 40-30).
Building, installing, or operating without fire marshal approval is unlawful under Sec. 40-34; the city enforces through the code enforcement board or county court, with citations issued per Sec. 1-14's general penalty schedule.
This is one of the stricter rules in Fort Myers's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
The Bottom Line
Fort Myers's outdoor cooking 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 Fort Myers is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Fort Myers 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.