Fort Lauderdale, FL Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Fort Lauderdale, 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
- County code
- Broward County Code ch. 27, art. IX
- State rule
- Rule 62-256.700, F.A.C.
- Setback
- 300 ft from buildings; 150 ft from highways
- Yard trash
- Residential yard-trash burning prohibited in Broward
Summary
Fort Lauderdale's open burning is governed primarily by Broward County and Florida rules. Residential burning of yard trash and household paper is prohibited in Broward County, and most other open burning requires fire-authority approval and large setbacks. State rule 62-256.700, F.A.C., further limits what may be burned.
Open burning of biological waste, hazardous waste, asbestos-containing materials, mercury-containing devices, pharmaceuticals, tires, rubber material, residual oil, used oil, asphalt, roofing material, tar, treated wood, plastics, garbage, or trash is strictly prohibited.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Open burning in Fort Lauderdale is regulated through Broward County Code of Ordinances Chapter 27, Article IX, the Florida Administrative Code (Rule 62-256, F.A.C.), and the Florida Fire Prevention Code that the City Fire-Rescue Fire Prevention Bureau enforces. Unlike much of Florida, Broward County prohibits the residential burning of yard trash and household paper products. The County code allows a 'camp fire, bonfire, or other fire used solely for recreational purposes, for ceremonial occasions, or for outdoor noncommercial preparation of food' only with approval from the appropriate fire authority and so long as excessive smoke and a nuisance are not created. No burning is permitted less than 300 feet from any occupied building or business (absent a waiver from occupants) or less than 150 feet from any public highway. State rule 62-256.700, F.A.C., independently bans the open burning of biological waste, hazardous waste, asbestos, tires, rubber, asphalt, roofing, tar, treated wood, plastics, garbage, and trash.
Violations & Fines
Open burning violations are enforced by Broward County environmental staff and the Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue Fire Prevention Bureau under the Florida Fire Prevention Code (NFPA 1) and County Code Chapter 27. Penalties include county code-enforcement fines, abatement orders, and fire-department cost recovery for response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves or yard waste at my Fort Lauderdale home?
What can never be burned outdoors?
How close to a building can an allowed fire be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Lauderdale
How Fort Lauderdale compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Fort Lauderdale 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.
Outdoor Burning in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Broward County handle outdoor burning.