Fort Myers, FL Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Fort Myers, FL, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Recreational fire setback
- 25 ft (or contained)
- Permitted open fire setback
- 50 ft from structures
- Bonfire time limit
- 1 hour
- Water supply required
- hose within 35 ft
- Enforcement
- fire marshal / code board
Summary
Fort Myers keeps recreational fires at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material unless contained, with constant attendance and a garden hose on hand under the fire code.
Permitted open fires shall be located not less than 50 feet from any structure. Recreational fires shall not be located within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material unless contained, as approved.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 60).
Full Breakdown
Under the city's outdoor-fires article, recreational fires may not sit within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material unless the fire is contained and approved; fully permitted open fires need 50 feet of clearance. A site visit and permit from the fire marshal or designee is required before any outdoor, recreational, patio-heater, or open-flame operation. Recreational and cooking fires must be constantly attended by a competent person, a garden hose on a reliable water supply must reach within 35 feet of the fire, bonfires are capped at one-hour durations, and the fire must be completely extinguished (with debris removed promptly) before the site is left unattended. The fire marshal can also bar all open flames outright when conditions turn hazardous.
Violations & Fines
Violating these fire-code sections is a citation enforceable in county court or before the city's code enforcement board under Sec. 40-34; the recipient has ten calendar days to contest before the fine is deemed admitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close can a backyard fire be to my house in Fort Myers?
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire in Fort Myers?
How long can a bonfire burn in Fort Myers?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Myers
How Fort Myers compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Fort Myers to another location·View the Florida fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Lee County handle fire pits & backyard fires.