Fort Lauderdale, FL Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

Backyard recreational fires in Fort Lauderdale fall under Broward County Code Chapter 27, Article IX, the Florida Administrative Code, and the Florida Fire Prevention Code. Broward County allows 'a camp fire, bonfire, or other fire used solely for recreational purposes, for ceremonial occasions, or for outdoor noncommercial preparation of food as long as excessive smoke and a nuisance is not created,' subject to approval from the appropriate fire authority. State rule 62-256.700(10), F.A.C., separately allows 'recreational open burning of vegetative debris and untreated wood in a campfire, ceremonial bonfire, outdoor fireplace, or other contained outdoor heating or cooking device,' provided the fire remains attended and is fully extinguished before leaving. The same 300-foot setback from occupied buildings and 150-foot setback from public highways that apply to general open burning also constrain larger recreational fires. Only clean dry wood and vegetative debris may be burned; garbage, treated wood, plastics, and similar materials are prohibited.