Fire Regulations in Broward County, FL (2026)

5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 6 cities in Broward County, Florida.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Broward County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Fire Pits & Backyard Fires

Broward County allows backyard campfires and bonfires for recreational, ceremonial or cooking use without a PWESD permit, but the fire must sit at least 300 feet from any occupied building unless neighbors waive it in writing.

Broward County Backyard Fire Setback Rules

Some Restrictions

Broward County Code § 27-286(a)(2)

Distance From Occupied Buildings: Except as otherwise restricted in this article, no open burning will be allowed unless it is a minimum of three hundred (300) feet distant from any occupied building. This requirement may be waived if permission is obtained in writing, using the form provided by the PWESD, from the occupant(s) of said building.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Fireworks

Consumer fireworks are legal in Broward County on July 4, Dec 31, and Jan 1 under FL §791.08 state preemption. Outside those dates, only sparklers and novelties are legal without a permit. The county cannot override this state law.

Broward County Fireworks Regulations

Some Restrictions

Fla. Stat. § 791.08(1)–(2) — Use during designated holidays; exemption

791.08 Use during designated holidays; exemption. — (1) As used in this section, the term “designated holiday” means: (a) New Year’s Day, January 1; (b) Independence Day, July 4; or (c) New Year’s Eve, December 31. (2) This chapter does not prohibit the use of fireworks solely and exclusively during a designated holiday. This section is not intended to provide for the comprehensive regulation ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Outdoor Burning

Broward County bans most open burning countywide, including all residential yard trash and household paper burning, with narrow exceptions for recreational campfires, agricultural fires and permitted training burns.

Broward County Open Burning Ban

Significant Restrictions

Broward County Code § 27-284

General prohibitions: Any open burning not specifically allowed by this article, by Section 62-256, F.A.C., and by Rule 5I-2, F.A.C., is prohibited. No person shall ignite, cause to be ignited, or permit to be ignited any material which will result in any prohibited open burning as defined in this section; nor shall any person suffer, allow, burn, conduct, or maintain any prohibited open burnin...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Smoke Detectors

Broward County cites smoke detector defects under its Fire Code civil penalty schedule: a missing, non-functioning, blocked, inaccessible, or tampered-with smoke detector, whether a commercial system or a single-station residential unit, draws a $250.00 fine for a first violation and $500.00 for a repeat.

Broward County Smoke Detector Rules and Fines

Some Restrictions

Broward County Code § 8½-16(g)(8)

(g)Violations of the Florida Fire Code (FFPC), Broward County Local Fire Code Amendments (BCLA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) (adopted editions), Florida Administrative Code (FAC) 69A Rules, State Fire Marshal's Uniform Rules and Regulations, Broward County Aviation Department (BCAD), and adopted standards referenced within these codes: ... (8) Smoke detectors (commercial and res...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Propane Storage

Storing, handling or using LP gas or other compressed gases in unincorporated Broward County without an approved fire permit draws a $200 civil fine for a first violation and $400 for a repeat, under the county's Fire Code enforcement schedule.

Broward County Propane Storage Permit Rule

Some Restrictions

Broward County Code § 8½-16(g)(27)

(27) Storage, handling and/or use of hazardous materials, explosives, flammable or combustible liquids/solids, LP gas and other compressed gases, or cellulose nitrate plastics: without an approved permit, fire protection features improper or not provided, unsafe or hazardous storage, handling or use (FFPC, NFPA 101, NFPA 1, BCLA)

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗