Palm Coast, FL Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

Palm Coast's Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Ordinance, codified at Chapter 25, Article IV of the Code of Ordinances, was enacted in 2001 in direct response to the 1998 Florida Wildfires, which scorched large portions of Flagler County including areas of Palm Coast. The ordinance addresses overgrowth of brush on undeveloped vacant lots. Under the ordinance, brush means plant species that by virtue of their arrangement, chemical composition, and growth pattern provide a ready path for uncontrolled fire to spread. Species specifically included in this definition are saw palmetto, gallberry, fetterbush, and wax myrtle. Pine trees less than 5 inches in diameter at breast height are also included in the brush definition. A wildfire hazard is created when brush on an undeveloped lot averages over three feet tall within 30 feet of an existing residential structure. Required treatment: the listed brush species must be bush-hog mowed (not root-raked) on a regular schedule within 30 feet of a neighboring house. Bush-hog mowing leaves the root structure intact for ground stabilization while reducing fuel height; root-raking is prohibited because it leaves accumulated woody debris that worsens fire risk. Enforcement procedure: (1) Code Enforcement identifies the violation and sends the property owner a written notice advising them to clear the overgrown brush; (2) the owner has 30 days to remedy; (3) if not remedied, the violation is posted on the property for an additional 30 days; (4) if still not remedied, the city arranges for removal of the overgrown brush and the property owner is billed for the work, with unpaid costs typically becoming a lien against the property. The Florida Forest Service (FFS) Bunnell District is the wildfire AHJ for Flagler County and monitors the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI). Florida Administrative Code Chapter 5I-2 (Florida Forest Service Open Burning) governs any non-recreational pile burning, which requires FFS authorization.