Miami-Dade County requires property owners to keep land irrigated and groomed for wildfire prevention. The Florida Forest Service issues burn authorizations. Drought-related burn bans are common in South Florida during dry seasons.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service manage wildfire risk in the county. Property owners with land surrounded by wildland must keep property irrigated and well-groomed to reduce fire risk. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Forest Service, regulates open burning and requires authorization before any open burning activity. Drought-related burn bans are issued by the Florida Division of Forestry. Miami-Dade's proximity to the Everglades increases wildfire risk during dry seasons. In 2025, wildfires burned over 26,000 acres in South Florida affecting Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.
Burning without Florida Forest Service authorization during a burn ban is a criminal offense. Property owners failing to maintain defensible space may face code enforcement action. Fire damage caused by negligent burning may result in civil liability.
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