Fire Regulations in Palm Coast, FL (2026)
8 verified fire regulations for Palm Coast, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Palm Coast Fire Pit Rules: Recreational Fires Under FFPC 8th Edition and Chapter 25
Some RestrictionsFireworks
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.
Palm Coast Fireworks: Three-Holiday State Exemption Under FS § 791.08
Some RestrictionsBrush 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.
Palm Coast Brush Clearance: Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Ordinance, Chapter 25 Article IV
Heavy RestrictionsOutdoor 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.
Palm Coast Outdoor Burning: Chapter 25 Section 25-52 and Florida Forest Service Authority
Heavy RestrictionsWildfire 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.
Palm Coast Wildfire Zones: 1998 Wildfires Survivor in Northeast Florida Pine Flatwoods
Heavy RestrictionsSmoke 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.
Palm Coast Smoke Alarm Requirements: Florida Building Code and FS § 553.883
Heavy RestrictionsBackyard 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.
Palm Coast Backyard Fires: Recreational Fires, Portable Fireplaces, and Section 25-52
Some RestrictionsPropane 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.
Palm Coast Propane (LP-Gas) Storage Under FFPC and Florida Statute Chapter 527
Some RestrictionsLooking for Flagler County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Palm Coast city rules.
Fire Regulations in Flagler County →