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Escambia County, FL Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

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

Outdoor burning rules in Escambia County, FL, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.

Key Facts

Allowed material
Dry yard debris only
Legal hours
8 a.m. to 1 hr before sunset
Max pile size
8 ft diameter
Setback from home
25 ft (150 ft from others)
Banned when
Drought Index 700+ / burn ban

Summary

Escambia County allows burning of dry yard debris only, between 8 a.m. and one hour before sunset, in a pile no larger than 8 feet across, with strict setbacks from structures and roads. Garbage burning is illegal, and all open burning stops during a burn ban or when the Drought

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Escambia County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Dry (not green) vegetative debris such as grass clippings, pine straw, leaves, tree limbs and shrub trimmings can be legally burned between 8 a.m. and one hour before sunset if it is in a pile not larger than 8 ft. in diameter.

Source: Escambia County Code Ch. 50 (Fire Prevention), §50-1 – MunicodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Per Escambia County Fire Rescue guidance, only dry (not green) vegetative debris such as grass clippings, pine straw, leaves, tree limbs and shrub trimmings may be burned. Burning household garbage, paper products, treated lumber, rubber, tires, pesticides, paint and aerosol containers is illegal. A legal pile must be no larger than 8 feet in diameter, at least 25 feet from any forested area, 25 feet from your home or other combustible structure, 50 feet from any paved or public roadway, and 150 feet from any occupied dwelling other than your own. County Code Sec. 50-1 prohibits all open burning when the Florida Forest Service Drought Index reaches 700 or the Fire Chief declares a ban.

Violations & Fines

Burning prohibited materials or burning during a ban is enforced by Escambia County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service, with county code penalties and state citations. A person whose fire escapes is liable for suppression costs and damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I burn leaves and yard trimmings in Escambia County?
Yes, dry vegetative debris only, between 8 a.m. and one hour before sunset, in a pile under 8 feet across, with the required setbacks, and only when no burn ban is active.
Can I burn household trash?
No. Burning household garbage, paper, treated lumber, rubber, tires, pesticides, paint and aerosol containers is illegal in Escambia County.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Escambia County

All Escambia County rules

How Escambia County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Escambia County to another location·View the Florida fire regulations overview

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