Fire Regulations in Lee County, FL (2026)
5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Lee County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Lee County's open-burning article is not a standing ban. Campfires, bonfires and trash burning are prohibited only while the Board of County Commissioners has declared a state of local emergency, which requires the drought index to reach 600 or higher.
Backyard Fires and Lee County's Drought Burn Ban
Some RestrictionsLee County Code of Ordinances §§ 12-19(b), 12-20(a), 12-23, 12-24(b); Land Development Code § 14-172(a)(10)
The county's ordinance bans "outdoor burning ignition sources," including campfires, bonfires and trash burning. Grills for food are not included.
Fireworks
Unincorporated Lee County has its own fireworks article. You may not use, explode or store fireworks without a county display permit unless you fall within the railroad, industrial, agricultural or fish hatchery uses the ordinance carves out.
Lee County's Own Fireworks and Sparklers Ordinance
Some RestrictionsLee County Code of Ordinances §§ 12-88, 12-89, 12-91, 12-92, 12-95(a)
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.
Outdoor Burning
Lee County's open-burning article is not a permanent rule. It switches on only when the Board of County Commissioners declares a state of local emergency during extreme drought, and then it prohibits campfires, bonfires, trash burning and similar open incineration.
Lee County's Emergency Outdoor Burning Ban
Some RestrictionsLee County Code of Ordinances §§ 12-19(b), 12-20(a), 12-20(d), 12-23, 12-24(b)
You may burn yard waste without authorization as long as: You meet the required setbacks and no local, city, or county ordinances prohibit burning, The yard waste was generated on your property and it will fit in an 8-foot diameter pile or non-combustible container, and The fire is ignited after 9 a.m. eastern time ... and is extinguished one hour before sunset.
Smoke Detectors
Lee County adopts the Florida Building Code by reference in LDC Section 6-111, so the statewide alarm rules apply here. The county adds one of its own: development outside an established fire district must include a smoke detection system.
Smoke Detector Requirements in Lee County
Some RestrictionsLee County Code of Ordinances § 12-56(b)(1); § 12-55; § 12-57; Lee County Land Development Code § 6-111
A battery-powered smoke alarm that is newly installed or replaces an existing battery-powered smoke alarm as a result of a level 1 alteration must be powered by a nonremovable, nonreplaceable battery that powers the alarm for at least 10 years.
Propane Storage
A propane or LNG tank up to 2,001 gallons, installed incidental to a permitted use on the parcel, does not need a Lee County development order, but Section 10-101(a)(3) still requires the County Fire Official to approve the installation. Tanks above that size need a full development order.
Propane Tank Rules in Unincorporated Lee County
Some RestrictionsLee County Land Development Code §§ 10-101(a)(3), 10-6, 10-7(b)
All developments, as defined in this chapter, including subdivisions, are required to obtain a development order prior to commencing any land development activities or receiving any development permit, including a building permit, with the exception of the following, which are not subject to review pursuant to this chapter except as noted herein:...(3)For the installation of propane or LNG tank...
Fire Regulations by City in Lee County
2 cities in Lee County have their own fire regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Lee County ordinances
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