Backyard fire pits are allowed in Broward under FAC 5I-2 if kept under 3 feet in diameter, set back 25 feet from any structure, attended, and fueled with clean wood. Broward Chapter 12 provides local enforcement.
Florida Administrative Code 5I-2.004 permits recreational fires for warmth and approved cooking in backyards without a burn authorization if the fire is under 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height, fueled only by clean wood or approved cooking materials (not trash, not treated lumber), attended at all times by a competent adult, and located at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. NFPA 1 (Florida Fire Prevention Code, adopted statewide) section 10.10 adds similar standards. Commercial fire pit appliances (propane, natural gas, approved wood-fire) must be UL-listed and have manufacturer setback recommendations followed. Broward County Chapter 12 (Fire Prevention) provides local enforcement through the Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue or local municipal fire departments. Fire pit use is suspended during Red Flag Warnings and declared burn bans. Hurricane and tropical storm conditions also warrant pit suspension. HOAs often impose stricter rules on fire pits in multi-family communities; check covenants. Fireworks are a separate category (FL 791) — only the 3 statutory holidays (July 4, December 31, January 1) permit consumer fireworks without permits.
FAC 5I-2 non-compliance: civil penalties up to $10,000 under FL 590.28 for serious violations. Local Chapter 12 citations: up to $500. Escaped fire liability under FL 590.25.
See how Broward County's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
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