Miami-Dade County, FL Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Miami-Dade County, FL, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Recreational fire size cap
- 3 ft diameter, 2 ft high
- Permit for recreational fires
- Not required if contained
- Bonfire setback
- 50 feet from any structure
- Waste burner alternative
- 15 feet from structure minimum
- Applies
- Countywide, incorporated and unincorporated
Summary
Miami-Dade County exempts small, contained recreational fires, three feet in diameter, two feet high, from its open-burning permit requirement, but larger bonfires need a 50-foot setback from structures or an approved waste burner 15 feet away.
No person shall kindle or maintain any bonfire, with the exception of recreational fires, or authorize any such fire to be kindled or maintained on any private land unless: (1) the location is not less than 50 feet from any structure and adequate provision is made to permit fire from spreading to within 50 feet of any structure, and (2) the fire is contained in an approved waste burner located safely not less than 15 feet from any structure.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 135).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 14-1(K) defines a recreational fire as a small non-commercial fire, for cooking, ceremony or pleasure, not burned in an incinerator, grill or barbecue pit, capped at three feet in diameter and two feet high. Under § 14-12(B), contained fires this size don't need a Fire Department burn permit. Anything larger counts as a bonfire under § 14-66, banned within 50 feet of any structure unless burned in an approved waste burner set back at least 15 feet, and it must be attended with a hose or extinguisher ready. The Chief Fire Official can prohibit bonfires outright in hazardous conditions. Applies countywide, incorporated and unincorporated.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 14's open-burning rules is a civil offense under § 14-2, punishable by a civil penalty up to $500, up to 60 days in county jail, or both, at the court's discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a fire pit in my Miami-Dade backyard?
How close can a bonfire be to my house in Miami-Dade County?
Can the county stop me from having a fire pit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami-Dade County
How Miami-Dade County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami-Dade County to another location·View the Florida fire regulations overview
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