Fire Pit Rules: Cape Coral vs Fort Myers
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Cape Coral, FL and Fort Myers, FL?
Cape Coral and Fort Myers have similar restriction levels.
Cape Coral, FL
Lee County
Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are generally allowed in Cape Coral outside of active burn bans. During burn ban periods (KBDI ≥ 600), fire pits may be prohibited depending on the specific ban order. Food grills are always exempt.
View full Cape Coral rules →Fort Myers, FL
Lee County
Fort Myers enforces fire pit rules through the Florida Fire Prevention Code (FFPC), 8th Edition (2023), which adopts NFPA 1, 2021 with Florida-specific amendments and became effective December 31, 2023. The City of Fort Myers Code of Ordinances Chapter 40 (Fire Prevention and Protection) is administered by the Fort Myers Fire Department Community Risk Reduction / Fire Prevention Bureau at 2033 Jackson Street. 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 until fully extinguished. Cooking fires in a grill or barbecue are exempt. During a Lee County emergency burn ban (KBDI ≥ 600 under County Ordinance 18-09) recreational fires are prohibited countywide, including inside Fort Myers city limits.
View full Fort Myers rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cape Coral | Fort Myers |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Conditions | Generally permitted | - |
| During Burn Ban | May be prohibited — check active orders | - |
| Cooking Grills | Always exempt | - |
| Topic | Fire Pit Rules | - |
| 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); Fort Myers Ch. 40 |
| Burn Ban Trigger | - | Lee Co. Ord. 18-09 (KBDI ≥ 600) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cape Coral FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in Cape Coral?
Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are generally allowed in Cape Coral outside of active burn bans. During burn ban periods (KBDI ≥ 600), fire pits may be prohibited depending on the specific ban order. Food grills are always exempt.
What are the fire pit setback requirements in Cape Coral?
Normal Conditions: Generally permitted. During Burn Ban: May be prohibited — check active orders. Cooking Grills: Always exempt.
Fort Myers FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit in Fort Myers, FL?
Yes, when no Lee County burn ban is in effect. Under the Florida Fire Prevention Code (8th Edition, NFPA 1, 2021) enforced by the Fort Myers Fire Department, a recreational fire must be no larger than 3 feet in diameter by 2 feet in height, kept at least 25 feet from any structure or combustibles, burn only seasoned natural firewood, and be attended by an adult with an extinguishment means until fully out.
What can I burn in a Fort Myers fire pit?
Only seasoned natural firewood. Burning leaves, yard trash, household garbage, treated or painted wood, plastics, tires, or construction debris is prohibited under the Florida Fire Prevention Code and Florida Administrative Code 5I-2.004 (Open Burning Not Allowed). Cooking grills and barbecues are exempt from recreational-fire rules.
Are fire pits allowed during a Lee County burn ban?
No. Lee County Ordinance 18-09 authorizes the Board of County Commissioners to declare an emergency burn ban when the Keetch-Byram Drought Index reaches 600 or higher. The ban prohibits campfires, recreational fires, bonfires, and other outdoor ignition sources countywide, including in the City of Fort Myers. Food-cooking grills remain permitted.
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