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St. Lucie County, FL Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Fire pit rules in St. Lucie 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 for recreational fire
Fuel
Untreated wood, vegetative debris
Must be
Attended and extinguished
Burn ban
Suspends backyard fires
Rule
5I-2.006, F.A.C.

Summary

Backyard recreational fires are legal in St. Lucie County when burning untreated wood or vegetative debris in a contained device, kept attended, and fully extinguished before you leave. During drought, a Florida Forest Service burn ban can suspend all backyard burning.

City-specific rules exist: Port St. Lucie has its own fire pits & backyard fires rules that differ from St. Lucie County's county-level regulations. If you live in Port St. Lucie, check the city-specific page instead.

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the open burning of vegetative debris or untreated wood in a recreational or ceremonial bonfire, as long as the fire is attended at all times and is completely smothered with no visible flame, smoke or emissions if the area is to be left unattended.

Full Breakdown

St. Lucie County residents may hold a backyard campfire or bonfire under Rule 5I-2.006, F.A.C. without a permit, provided it burns only clean untreated wood and vegetative debris, stays attended at all times, and is completely extinguished before the site is left unattended. Recreational bonfires must be smothered with no visible flame, smoke, or emissions before leaving. When the Keetch-Byram Drought Index climbs, the Florida Forest Service or Board of County Commissioners can declare a burn ban that prohibits recreational fires countywide. Always confirm no ban is active before lighting up.

Violations & Fines

Unattended fires, burning prohibited materials, or lighting a fire during a declared burn ban can trigger Forest Service and county enforcement; the responsible party is liable for suppression costs if the fire escapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a bonfire legal in my St. Lucie County backyard?
Yes, a recreational bonfire of untreated wood or vegetative debris is allowed if attended at all times and fully smothered before leaving, unless a burn ban is in effect.
How do I know if a burn ban is in effect?
Check with the St. Lucie County Fire District or Florida Forest Service. Bans are declared during dry conditions and prohibit recreational and yard-waste burning countywide.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in St. Lucie County

All St. Lucie County rules

How St. Lucie County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Florida rules heatmap·Compare St. Lucie County to another location·View the Florida fire regulations overview

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Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Cities Across St. Lucie County