Backyard recreational and cooking fires are allowed in unincorporated Sarasota County without a permit, using only approved fuel, kept at least 25 feet from any structure, attended by an adult, and never used to burn trash or yard debris.
Sarasota County Code § 54-116 permits two open burns without a permit: recreational fires (pleasure, ceremonial, cooking) and cooking fires solely for preparing food, each using approved fuel: clean wood, charcoal, commercial fire-starter logs or briquettes, LP gas, natural gas, or butane. The fire's total fuel area may not exceed three feet in diameter and two feet in height, and it must sit at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. It must be constantly attended by a competent person at least 18 years old, with fire-extinguishing equipment available, until the fire is cold. Burning trash, garbage, or yard debris in a backyard fire is prohibited, and all burning stops during a countywide burn ban.
Officials may order any nuisance or unsafe backyard fire extinguished; failure to comply is a misdemeanor. Burning during a burn ban or burning prohibited materials is a violation subject to enforcement.
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