Jacksonville, FL Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Jacksonville, 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
- Governing section
- Ordinance Code Sec. 360.802
- Exempt without permit
- Recreational campfires, ceremonies, outdoor cooking
- Bonfire setback
- 50 feet from any structure
- Bonfire permission
- Chief, Fire Prevention required
- Liability
- Civil damages plus response costs
Summary
Jacksonville bans open burning outright unless allowed by state or Environmental Protection Board rules; small recreational campfires are exempt, but bonfires need Fire Prevention Chief approval and a 50-foot structure setback.
It is unlawful and a violation of this Part for any person to engage or assist in open burning or to allow open burning on property owned or controlled by such person, unless such open burning is specifically allowed by State rules or by rules of the Board.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City Code Sec. 360.802 makes it unlawful to engage in or allow open burning on property you own or control unless state rules or the Environmental Protection Board specifically permit it, and violators are liable for all resulting damages, including Fire and Rescue response costs. Sec. 420.201 carves out unpermitted campfires for recreation, ceremonies, outdoor cooking, or worker warming, plus waste-gas flaring and firefighter training burns. Sec. 420.202 covers bonfires separately: you need permission from the Chief of Fire Prevention, must keep the fire at least 50 feet from any structure, and must keep it constantly attended with a garden hose or extinguisher on hand.
Violations & Fines
Open burning without authorization is a code violation triggering citations from Fire and Rescue or the Sheriff's Office, plus civil liability for all damages caused, including firefighting response costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a campfire in my backyard in Jacksonville without a permit?
Do I need a permit for a bonfire?
What happens if I burn without authorization?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jacksonville
How Jacksonville compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Jacksonville to another location·View the Florida fire regulations overview
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