Backyard recreational fires are legal when small, contained, and attended — but Polk County frequently activates a countywide burn ban that prohibits campfires and bonfires and limits allowed fires to a barbecue grill or pit under 3 feet diameter and 2 feet high.
There is no standing county ban on a small, contained, attended backyard fire in Polk County during normal conditions. However, due to Florida's dry seasons, Polk County officials repeatedly declare countywide burn bans under Ordinance 08-015. While a ban is in effect, campfires, bonfires, unpermitted controlled burns, burning of yard/household trash, and igniting fireworks are all prohibited; the only lawful fires are non-commercial fires contained in a barbecue grill or barbecue pit with a total fuel area not exceeding 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height. Always check the county's current burn-ban status before any backyard fire, and keep water/extinguishing tools on hand.
Backyard fires that violate an active burn ban breach Ordinance 08-015 and are punishable by a fine not to exceed $500 or imprisonment not to exceed 60 days in the county jail, or both.
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