Outdoor Burning: Miami Gardens vs North Miami
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Miami Gardens, FL and North Miami, FL?
Miami Gardens and North Miami have similar restriction levels.
Miami Gardens, FL
Miami-Dade County
Open burning in Miami Gardens requires a burn permit from Miami-Dade County except for cooking fires. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection regulates outdoor burning statewide. Land clearing and agricultural burns require separate permits. Recreational fire pits are permitted with conditions.
View full Miami Gardens 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 Gardens | North Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Burn Permit | Required for all open fires (except grills) | - |
| Cooking Fires | Exempt (commercial grills/smokers) | - |
| Recreational Fire Pits | Permitted with conditions | - |
| Prohibited Materials | Construction debris, tires, household waste | - |
| State Authority | FL Dept. of Environmental Protection | - |
| 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 Gardens FAQ
Do I need a permit to have a fire pit in Miami Gardens?
Commercially manufactured recreational fire pits do not typically require a permit if used safely, but open burning for other purposes requires a burn permit from Miami-Dade County.
Can I burn yard waste in Miami Gardens?
Yard waste burning requires a burn permit from Miami-Dade County. The FDEP may restrict burning during dry conditions.
What about grilling and cooking fires?
Cooking fires in commercial outdoor cooking devices like grills and smokers are exempt from the burn permit requirement.
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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