6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Pasco County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
Florida Forest Service rule (which governs open burning in unincorporated Pasco County) permits recreational fires in a fire pit, outdoor fireplace, or other contained outdoor heating or cooking device, provided only vegetative debris and untreated wood are burned and the fire is attended at all times. Pasco County Fire Rescue directs that any non-yard-waste, agricultural or larger burning requires a Florida Forest Service authorization.
Fla. Admin. Code R. 5I-2.006(11) (Open Burning Allowed)
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the legal open burning of vegetative debris and untreated wood in a campfire, outdoor fireplace, or other contained outdoor heating or cooking device, or on cold days for warming of outdoor workers.
Under Florida law, consumer fireworks may be used in unincorporated Pasco County only on three designated holidays: New Year's Eve (Dec. 31), New Year's Day (Jan. 1), and Independence Day (July 4). On every other day of the year, exploding fireworks may be sold only to permit holders or for narrow exempt uses (e.g., agricultural bird-scaring), and approved sparklers remain legal year-round.
Fla. Stat. 791.08 (Use during designated holidays; exemption)
As used in this section, the term 'designated holiday' means New Year's Day, January 1; Independence Day, July 4; or New Year's Eve, December 31. This chapter does not prohibit the use of fireworks solely and exclusively during a designated holiday.
Pasco County fire code requires vegetation management around structures, especially in wildland-urban interface areas of east Pasco (Dade City, San Antonio, Zephyrhills). Florida Forest Service oversees wildfire response during the October-May dry season.
Pasco County Fire Rescue states there is no burning in unincorporated Pasco County except yard waste meeting strict requirements, or agricultural/silvicultural/land-clearing/pile burning that requires a Florida Forest Service authorization. Yard-waste fires must be ignited after 9 a.m. Eastern, extinguished one hour before sunset, fit in an 8-foot pile or non-combustible container, and be generated on the same property.
Pasco County Fire Rescue, Open Burning (Pasco County Code Ch. 46, Art. IV; Fla. Admin. Code R. 5I-2.006)
There is no burning in Pasco County except in the following conditions: Yard waste that meets the requirements below[;] Agricultural, silvicultural, land-clearing, pile and acreage burning all require a burning authorization from the Florida Forest Service. ... You may burn yard waste as long as: You meet the required setbacks and no local, city or county ordinances prohibit burning. The yard w...
Florida does not use California-style wildfire hazard zones, but Pasco County has significant wildland-urban interface risk. Florida Forest Service issues burn bans during drought, and Firewise USA defensible space practices are recommended rather than mandated in most of the county.
Backyard recreational fires (campfires and warming fires) are allowed in unincorporated Pasco County under Florida Forest Service rule 5I-2.006(11) without a burn authorization, but only vegetative debris and untreated wood may be burned and the fire must be attended at all times. Pasco County Fire Rescue adds that you should never leave a fire unattended, keep a water hose or shovel handy, and not burn on windy days.
Pasco County Fire Rescue, Open Burning - Outdoor Burning Safety Tips; Fla. Admin. Code R. 5I-2.006(11)
Outdoor Burning Safety Tips: Check with your local Florida Forest Service office to make sure it is legal to burn in your area. Make sure you meet the required setbacks. Burn only yard waste, no household garbage (include paper products and newspapers). Don't burn on windy days. Never leave a fire unattended. Keep a water hose or shovel handy in case your fire escapes.
3 cities in Pasco County have their own fire regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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