Polk County, FL Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Polk 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
- No-permit pile
- Under 8 ft diameter
- From occupied buildings
- 150 feet setback
- From paved roads
- 50 feet setback
- From wildlands
- 25 feet setback
- Statute
- FS 590.125
Summary
Florida Forest Service rules let you burn yard debris on your own property without authorization if the pile is under 8 feet across, kept 150 ft from occupied buildings, 50 ft from paved roads, and 25 ft from wildlands. Polk burn bans suspend this entirely.
Persons may be authorized to broadcast burn or pile burn pursuant to this subsection if: ... authorization is obtained from the Florida Forest Service or its designated agent before starting the burn.
Full Breakdown
Under FS Ch. 590, the Florida Forest Service regulates open burning statewide. You may burn yard waste (grass, brush, leaves, limbs, palm fronds) generated on your property without a burn authorization if it fits in an 8-foot-diameter pile or noncombustible container, is ignited after 9 a.m. Eastern Time, and extinguished one hour before sunset. Piles larger than 8 feet require Florida Forest Service authorization (FS 590.125). Setbacks: at least 150 feet from any occupied building other than the landowner's, 50 feet from any paved public road, and 25 feet from wildlands/brush. Burning household garbage, tires, or debris is illegal. Polk County burn bans prohibit all open burning while active.
Violations & Fines
Unauthorized or unsafe open burning violates FS Ch. 590 and can bring wildfire liability. Burning during a Polk burn ban violates Ordinance 08-015: up to $500 fine or 60 days jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves and branches in my Polk County yard?
When do I need a Florida Forest Service authorization?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Polk County
How Polk County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Polk 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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.