Ocala, FL Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Sec. 54-5 of the Code of Ordinances bans burying municipal solid waste anywhere within the City of Ocala and separately makes open burning a permit-only activity. Except for burns authorized under F.S. ch. 590 and Florida Administrative Code Rule 5I-2, no one may burn material or municipal solid waste, openly or in an incinerator, pit or container, without first obtaining a burn permit from the fire chief or designee. Sec. 54-5(b)(1) bars burning garbage or industrial, commercial, hospital, clinic or medical waste except in an incinerator the fire chief has approved in writing as meeting state emission-control and fire-code standards, and that approved incinerator cannot sit closer than 15 feet to any structure.

Sec. 54-5(b)(2) prohibits creating unreasonable noxious odors, dense smoke or a nuisance by burning solid waste. Sec. 54-5(b)(3) bars kindling or maintaining any fire on a public street, way, road, alley, waterway or other public place except by an authorized fire department member. Sec. 54-5(b)(4) limits residential burning to dry, untreated wood used as fuel in a fireplace or stove designed for burning wood; anything beyond that needs the fire chief's written authorization under Sec. 54-5(b)(5), which covers burning grass, stubble, leaves, tree trimmings, weeds, vines and other natural ground cover only if it can be kindled without creating a fire or nuisance hazard. Violations carry a $150.00 fine, and the code enforcement board or special magistrate may also enforce the section under F.S. ch. 162.