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Collier County, FL Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Defensible space
30 feet around structures
GGE clearing allowance
Up to one acre
LDC sections
3.05.05.I, 3.05.02.F.1
Tall grass/vine removal
No permit needed
Beyond one acre
FFS mitigation plan required

Summary

Collier County's Land Development Code encourages wildfire-safe clearing. Firewise guidance recommends clearing vegetation within 30 feet of structures as defensible space, and single-family lots in Golden Gate Estates may clear up to one acre without a separate vegetation-removal permit.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Collier County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Clearing within 30 feet of structures is the defensible space recommended by firewise.org. This is usually done with initial clearing for home site... Removal of tall grasses and vines is recommended and does not require a vegetation removal permit.

View official code

Full Breakdown

The Collier County LDC permits or exempts clearing to reduce wildfire threat. Per the county's Firewise handout, 'Clearing within 30 feet of structures is the defensible space recommended by firewise.org,' usually done during initial home-site clearing (LDC 3.05.05.I). Single-family homeowners in Golden Gate Estates and non-RFMUD areas may clear up to one acre once a building permit is issued (LDC 3.05.02.F.1). Removing tall grasses and vines needs no permit. Clearing beyond one acre, or additional clearing after the acre is used, requires a vegetation-removal permit with a Florida Forest Service-approved wildfire mitigation plan.

Violations & Fines

Removing protected vegetation beyond the allowed acre or defensible-space limits without a vegetation-removal permit violates the LDC and is enforced by county Code Enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far should I clear brush around my house?
Firewise guidance recommends a 30-foot defensible space around structures, typically completed during initial home-site clearing under the LDC.
Can I clear my whole Golden Gate Estates lot?
Single-family lots may clear up to one acre without a separate permit after a building permit issues; more requires a vegetation-removal permit and FFS-approved plan.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Collier County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSignificant RestrictionsFire Pits & Backyard FiresLight RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsWildfire ZonesSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSignificant RestrictionsFireworksSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Store RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Bird ProtectionHeavy Restrictions

All Collier County rules

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