Outdoor Burning: Miami vs North Miami
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Miami, FL and North Miami, FL?
Miami and North Miami have similar restriction levels.
Miami, FL
Miami-Dade County
City of Miami Chapter 19 Section 19-26 restricts outdoor burning. Open burning of rubbish or refuse is prohibited. Recreational fires under 3 feet are exempt. Florida Forest Service authorization required for larger burns.
View full Miami rules →North Miami, FL
Miami-Dade County
Outdoor open burning is heavily restricted in North Miami and throughout Miami-Dade County. The Florida Forest Service and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue regulate all open burning through a permit system. Recreational fires (campfires, fire pits) in residential areas are subject to local fire department rules and must not create a nuisance. Agricultural burning requires a separate Florida Forest Service authorization.
View full North Miami rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Miami | North Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Prohibited | Rubbish and refuse | - |
| Recreational | Under 3 ft exempt | - |
| Bonfires | Permit required | - |
| Code | §19-26 | - |
| Authority | FL Forest Service | - |
| Open Burning Permit | - | Required from Miami-Dade County |
| Trash Burning | - | Prohibited in city limits |
| Governing Law | - | Florida Statute 590 |
| Fire Department | - | (305) 893-6511 |
| Burn Bans | - | Imposed during dry season/air quality alerts |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Miami FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in Miami?
No. Section 19-26 prohibits open burning of rubbish and refuse. Yard waste must be disposed of through regular waste collection.
Do bonfires need permits in Miami?
Yes. Bonfires in the city require specific permits. Contact Miami-Dade Fire Rescue for application requirements.
North Miami FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in my backyard in North Miami?
Small recreational fires such as barbecue grills and fire pits are generally allowed but must be attended at all times, kept at a manageable size, and located safely away from structures and property lines. They must not create a smoke nuisance for neighbors.
Can I burn yard waste in North Miami?
No. Burning trash, yard waste, construction debris, or other materials is prohibited within North Miami city limits. Yard waste should be placed for curbside bulk pickup (8 cubic yards max) or taken to a Miami-Dade County disposal facility.
How do I get an open burning permit?
Open burning permits are issued by Miami-Dade County. Contact the county's permitting office or the North Miami Fire Department at (305) 893-6511 for guidance. Permits may be suspended during burn bans.
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