Backyard recreational fires in St. Petersburg are allowed when contained in approved pits or appliances, burning clean wood, and attended at all times. Smoke nuisance complaints are handled by St. Pete Fire Rescue.
Recreational backyard fires follow the same fire pit rules under the Florida Fire Prevention Code and NFPA 1 §10.11. Fires must be in a permanent masonry pit or portable UL-listed appliance, at least 15 feet from structures and combustible fences, burning only clean seasoned wood or manufactured logs. Chimineas and gas-fueled appliances are permitted on non-combustible surfaces. Burning trash, yard waste, treated lumber, or construction debris is never allowed. A responsible adult must attend until fully extinguished with a water source nearby. During red flag conditions or FL Forest Service burn bans, recreational fires may be suspended. Persistent neighbor smoke complaints can lead to code citations.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how St. Petersburg's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
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