Lee County, FL Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Lee County, FL, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Ban trigger
- KBDI reaches or exceeds 600
- When rules apply
- Only during declared local emergency
- Emergency duration
- Seven days, extendable in increments
- Covered activities
- Campfires, bonfires, trash burning
- Beach fires
- Prohibited under LDC 14-172
Summary
Lee County's open-burning article is not a standing ban. Campfires, bonfires and trash burning are prohibited only while the Board of County Commissioners has declared a state of local emergency, which requires the drought index to reach 600 or higher.
The county's ordinance bans "outdoor burning ignition sources," including campfires, bonfires and trash burning. Grills for food are not included.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 12, Article II applies only on an emergency basis, and it is suspended at all times when the Board has not declared by resolution that a state of local emergency exists. When it is in force, the use of outdoor burning ignition sources, which the code says includes campfires, bonfires, trash burning and other similar open incineration, is prohibited once the mean Keetch-Byram Drought Index reaches or exceeds 600 for the County and the County Manager, after consulting the County Fire Chiefs Association and the Florida Forest Service, recommends suspension. A state of local emergency lasts seven days and may be extended in seven-day increments. Separately, open fires are prohibited on the beach.
Violations & Fines
Violating the article is punishable as provided in F.S. § 125.69(1), and an officer issuing a notice to appear or making an arrest must seize the incendiary device or ignition source as evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are backyard campfires legal in Lee County?
What triggers a Lee County burn ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lee County
How Lee County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Lee County to another location·View the Florida fire regulations overview
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