Does Bay County, FL have its own outdoor burning ordinance?

No. Bay County, FL does not appear to have a local outdoor burning ordinance, Florida state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Florida Statutes.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Bay County

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

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Outdoor burning rules in Bay 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

Trigger for a ban: KBDI drought index ≥ 500
Other triggers: Red Flag Warning; forest service halt
Ban lifted after: 7 days below index 500
Grill exemption: Contained, attended gas/charcoal grill
Max penalty: $500 fine and/or 60 days jail

Summary

Bay County bans open burning countywide the moment the county manager declares a ban, triggered by drought index readings of 500 or higher, a Red Flag Warning, or the Florida Forest Service halting burn authorizations. Violators face fines and jail time.

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

(a)Prohibition. Open burning shall be prohibited during any time that a declaration imposing a temporary ban on open burning is in effect.(b)Procedure and duration.(1)The county manager, or their designee, may issue a declaration banning open burning upon finding that the Keetch Byram Drought Index County Averages map...for Bay County or portion thereof meets or exceeds 500; or The Florida Forest Service discontinues issuing burn authorizations based on weather conditions; or the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Bay County; or resources have been depleted following multiple subsequent days of fire activity.

Source: Florida StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

Bay County Code of Ordinances § 10-1 lets the county manager or a designee declare a temporary open burning ban when the Keetch Byram Drought Index County Average for Bay County meets or exceeds 500, when the Florida Forest Service stops issuing burn authorizations due to weather, when the National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning for the county, or when firefighting resources are depleted after multiple days of fire activity. Once declared, the ban is posted on a dedicated county webpage and sent to the Florida Forest Service.

The ban lifts only when the county manager finds conditions no longer justify it, including when the drought index stays below 500 for seven consecutive days. "Open burning" is defined broadly to cover trash and yard debris burning, campfires, bonfires, warming fires, outdoor fireplaces and chimneys, and any activity that could throw sparks or flames capable of starting a fire. ch. 791. Enforcement is shared among the sheriff's office, fire prevention and emergency personnel, and code enforcement officers.

Violations & Fines

Any person, firm or corporation violating a declared burn ban is punishable, upon conviction, as provided in Code § 1-6 or F.S. § 125.69(1): a fine up to $500.00, up to 60 days in the county jail, or both, with each continuing day of violation charged as a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who decides when open burning is banned in Bay County?

The county manager or their designee, under § 10-1(b). The declaration is triggered by a Keetch Byram Drought Index reading of 500 or higher for the county, a National Weather Service Red Flag Warning, the Florida Forest Service halting burn authorizations, or depleted firefighting resources after repeated fire activity.

Can I still use my grill during a Bay County burn ban?

Yes. Section 10-1(d) exempts cooking fires on a contained, attended and monitored gas or charcoal grill, along with activity under a Florida Forest Service or DEP permit and work supervised by county or municipal personnel.

What happens if I burn yard debris during a declared ban?

You can be prosecuted under § 10-1(f), punishable as provided in Code § 1-6 or F.S. § 125.69(1), meaning up to a $500.00 fine, up to 60 days in jail, or both. The sheriff, fire prevention personnel and code enforcement officers all have authority to enforce the ban.

Sources & Official References

[1]Bay County Code of Ordinances § 10-1

Other rules in Bay County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome Restrictions Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSignificant Restrictions Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions FireworksSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Bay County rules

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

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.