Outdoor Burning: Plant City vs Tampa
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Plant City, FL and Tampa, FL?
Plant City and Tampa have similar restriction levels.
Plant City, FL
Hillsborough County
Open burning of yard waste requires authorization from the Florida Forest Service. Plant City prohibits burning of household trash, construction debris, and non-vegetative materials. Burn authorizations issued daily based on drought conditions.
View full Plant City rules →Tampa, FL
Hillsborough County
Open burning of yard waste is heavily restricted in Tampa. Inside city limits, residential open burning of trash, leaves, and land-clearing debris is generally prohibited — yard debris must go curbside for city pickup. Florida Statute 590.125 and Florida Forest Service (FDACS) rules govern any allowed burning statewide, and Hillsborough County frequently falls under burn bans during dry spells.
View full Tampa rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Plant City | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Authorization | FFS daily required | - |
| Hours | 9 AM to 1 hr pre-sunset | - |
| Setback | 25/50/150 feet | - |
| Prohibited | Trash, plastic, debris | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Plant City FAQ
How do I get a burn authorization?
Call the Florida Forest Service Lakeland District or apply online at FDACS.gov on the day of the burn.
Who enforces this in Plant City?
Plant City code enforcement at (813) 659-4200 handles complaints.
Tampa FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my backyard in Tampa?
No. Tampa prohibits burning of yard waste and trash within city limits. Use the weekly curbside yard-waste pickup instead.
How do I know if there's a current burn ban?
Check the Florida Forest Service website or Hillsborough County emergency management. Bans track the Keetch-Byram Drought Index.
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