Outdoor Cooking in Lee County, FL (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Lee County, Florida.

Verified from official government sources

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

BBQ & Propane Rules

Lee County's code does not set a separate rule for backyard gas or charcoal grills. What it does regulate is fire during a declared drought emergency, fires in county parks, and permitting for larger propane tanks.

Grills, Propane and Lee County's Emergency Fire Rules

Some Restrictions

Lee County Code of Ordinances §§ 12-19(b), 12-20(a), 12-23, 20-23(c), 20-27; Land Development Code § 10-101(3)

The county's ordinance bans "outdoor burning ignition sources," including campfires, bonfires and trash burning. Grills for food are not included.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Smoker Rules

Lee County's code sets no permit or standard for a backyard smoker. Its only outdoor-fire rule is the drought emergency burn ban, and that ban names campfires, bonfires and trash burning rather than cooking equipment.

Backyard Smokers and the Lee County Burn Ban

Some Restrictions

Lee County Code of Ordinances §§ 12-19(b), 12-20(a), 12-23, 12-24(b); Land Development Code § 34-624(1)

The county's ordinance bans "outdoor burning ignition sources," including campfires, bonfires and trash burning. Grills for food are not included.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Outdoor Cooking by City in Lee County

2 cities in Lee County have their own outdoor cooking rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

Cape CoralPop. 194,016

1 verified rule • Smoker Rules

Fort MyersPop. 86,424

3 verified rules • BBQ & Propane Rules, Outdoor Kitchen Permits

All Lee County ordinances

See every category we cover for Lee County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Lee County Ordinance Hub →