Outdoor Burning: Tampa vs Temple Terrace
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Tampa, FL and Temple Terrace, FL?
Tampa and Temple Terrace have similar restriction levels.
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 →Temple Terrace, FL
Hillsborough County
Open burning of yard debris in Temple Terrace generally requires authorization from the Florida Forest Service under FL Admin Code 5I-2. The dense residential setting makes authorizations rare; most yard waste must go to curbside pickup rather than be burned on site.
View full Temple Terrace rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Tampa | Temple Terrace |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Authority | - | FL Forest Service |
| Rule | - | FL Admin Code 5I-2 |
| Setback | - | 25 ft piles, 150 ft larger |
| Burn Ban | - | Hillsborough Co |
| Trash Burn | - | Always prohibited |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Temple Terrace FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my Temple Terrace backyard?
Generally no without an FFS authorization, which is rarely granted in dense residential areas. Use curbside yard waste pickup.
Who enforces this in Temple Terrace?
Temple Terrace code enforcement at (813) 506-6400 handles complaints.
Compare other topics
See how Tampa and Temple Terrace compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool