Fort Myers, FL Fire Regulations: Fire Pit Rules (2026)

Florida's State Fire Marshal adopts the Florida Fire Prevention Code (FFPC) every three years under FS § 633.202. The 8th Edition (2023) adopts NFPA 1, 2021 and NFPA 101, 2021 with Florida amendments and became effective December 31, 2023. The FFPC applies statewide and is enforced locally by the Fort Myers Fire Department under Chapter 40 of the Fort Myers Code of Ordinances. NFPA 1 (incorporated into the FFPC) defines a recreational fire as 'an outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill, or barbecue pit and has a total fuel area of 3 ft (0.9 m) or less in diameter and 2 ft (0.6 m) or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes.' NFPA 1 requires a 25-foot clearance to structures or combustibles for recreational fires; portable outdoor fireplaces require 15 feet (manufacturer instructions). Only seasoned natural firewood may be burned; rubbish, leaves, yard trash, treated wood, plastics, tires, and construction debris are prohibited under FFPC and FAC 5I-2.004 (Open Burning Not Allowed). The fire must be attended by a competent adult with a hose, fire extinguisher, or other extinguishment means until fully out. Lee County Ordinance 18-09 authorizes the Board of County Commissioners to declare an emergency burn ban prohibiting outdoor ignition sources when the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) reaches or exceeds 600; the ban applies countywide, including the City of Fort Myers, and covers campfires, recreational fires, and bonfires but exempts food-cooking grills. The Fort Myers Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau (239-321-7350) is located at 2033 Jackson Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901.