Broward County, FL Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Broward County, FL, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Setback from occupied buildings
- 300 feet (waivable in writing)
- Setback from public highway
- 150 feet
- Allowed uses
- Recreational, ceremonial, or outdoor cooking fires
- Time restriction
- Exempt from 9 a.m.-sunset curfew
- Governing law
- Broward County Code ch. 27, art. IX
Summary
Broward County allows backyard campfires and bonfires for recreational, ceremonial or cooking use without a PWESD permit, but the fire must sit at least 300 feet from any occupied building unless neighbors waive it in writing.
Distance From Occupied Buildings: Except as otherwise restricted in this article, no open burning will be allowed unless it is a minimum of three hundred (300) feet distant from any occupied building. This requirement may be waived if permission is obtained in writing, using the form provided by the PWESD, from the occupant(s) of said building.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72 | Administrative Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 27-285(b) of the Natural Resource Protection Code lets a campfire, bonfire, or similar fire burn for recreational purposes, ceremonial occasions, or outdoor food preparation without PWESD notification, as long as it doesn't create excessive smoke or a nuisance. Sec. 27-286(a) then sets the containment rule: the fire must be at least 300 feet from any occupied building (waivable only with the neighbor's written consent on a PWESD form) and 150 feet from any public highway. Most open burning is limited to 9:00 a.m. until one hour before sunset, but recreational and ceremonial bonfires are exempt from that curfew. Local fire authorities may impose their own approval requirements on top of this county rule.
Violations & Fines
Burning within 300 feet of an occupied home, creating excessive smoke or a nuisance, or burning trash and yard waste instead of a genuine recreational fire violates the code; code enforcement fines start at $200.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard bonfire in Broward County?
Can I burn yard trash or household paper in my backyard?
What if my neighbor's house is closer than 300 feet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
How Broward County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County 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.