Tampa generally allows small recreational fires — cooking fires in approved pits, chimineas, and gas fire features — as long as they are contained, attended, and do not create a nuisance. Burning of yard waste and household trash is prohibited. During Florida Forest Service burn bans, even recreational fires may be restricted.
Tampa follows the Florida Fire Prevention Code (adopted NFPA 1), which generally permits recreational fires under 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high using clean, dry wood, located at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. Chimineas, portable outdoor fireplaces, and propane/natural-gas fire pits are treated more permissively — typically allowed within 15 feet of structures per NFPA 1 for manufactured units. The fire must be constantly attended by a competent adult with a means to extinguish (garden hose, extinguisher, sand) readily available. What's prohibited in all cases: burning leaves, yard waste, construction debris, treated/painted wood, trash, or anything producing excessive smoke. HOAs in Tampa can impose stricter rules than the city — many gated communities prohibit wood-burning fire pits entirely. During drought-driven burn bans issued by the Florida Forest Service or Hillsborough County Emergency Management, recreational open fires may be suspended. Gas-fueled devices typically remain allowed under burn bans. Complaints about smoke, sparks, or unattended fires draw a Tampa Fire Rescue response and can result in nuisance citations.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Tampa code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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