Sarasota County, FL Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Sarasota County, FL, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Permit
- Not required if compliant
- Setback
- 25 feet from structures
- Attendance
- Adult 18+ until cold
- Prohibited fuel
- Trash, yard debris
- Code
- SCC § 54-116
Summary
Backyard recreational and cooking fires are allowed in unincorporated Sarasota County without a permit, using only approved fuel, kept at least 25 feet from any structure, attended by an adult, and never used to burn trash or yard debris.
Recreational fire means the noncommercial burning of approved fuel for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, or similar purposes... Approved fuel includes clean wood, charcoal, commercially available fire starter logs or briquettes, liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas, or butane.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Sarasota County Code § 54-116 permits two open burns without a permit: recreational fires (pleasure, ceremonial, cooking) and cooking fires solely for preparing food, each using approved fuel: clean wood, charcoal, commercial fire-starter logs or briquettes, LP gas, natural gas, or butane. The fire's total fuel area may not exceed three feet in diameter and two feet in height, and it must sit at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. It must be constantly attended by a competent person at least 18 years old, with fire-extinguishing equipment available, until the fire is cold. Burning trash, garbage, or yard debris in a backyard fire is prohibited, and all burning stops during a countywide burn ban.
Violations & Fines
Officials may order any nuisance or unsafe backyard fire extinguished; failure to comply is a misdemeanor. Burning during a burn ban or burning prohibited materials is a violation subject to enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a backyard bonfire?
Are backyard fires banned in drought?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sarasota County
How Sarasota County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Sarasota County to another location·View the Florida fire regulations overview
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