Orlando, FL Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Orlando, 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
- Restrictions
- Burning yard waste and trash prohibited in city limits
- Fire Safety
- FL Statute 590.125 governs Forest Service-authorized burns
- Fire Safety
- Recreational fires under 3 ft and BBQ grills allowed
- Fire Safety
- Use city yard-waste pickup instead of burning
- Restrictions
- Burn bans suspend all open burning
Summary
Open burning of yard waste and land-clearing debris is generally prohibited within Orlando city limits; small recreational fires in approved fire pits and cooking fires in grills are allowed. Florida Statute 590.125 and Florida Forest Service rules govern any authorized open burning, requiring an authorization (often online), 25- to 150-foot setbacks depending on pile size, and constant attendance. During burn bans, all open burning except gas grills is suspended.
NONCERTIFIED BURNING. (a) Persons may be authorized to broadcast burn or pile burn pursuant to this subsection if: 1. There is specific consent of the landowner or his or her designee; 2. Authorization has been obtained from the Florida Forest Service or its designated agent before starting the burn; 3. There are adequate firebreaks at the burn site and sufficient personnel and firefighting equipment for the containment of the fire; 4. The fire remains within the boundary of the authorized area; 5. The person named responsible in the burn authorization or a designee is present at the burn site until the fire is completed.
Full Breakdown
) implementing FL Statute 403. 125, administers authorizations for agricultural, silvicultural, and certain land-clearing burns, which require online or telephone authorization the day of the burn, weather and humidity checks, and minimum setbacks: 25 feet from forest, 50 feet from paved roads, 150 feet from occupied dwellings (greater for piles). Within Orlando city limits, residential burning of leaves, brush, or yard waste is generally not authorized; residents must use the city yard-waste collection program. Recreational fires under 3 feet in diameter using clean firewood, and propane or charcoal cooking grills, remain allowed when no burn ban is in effect.
Burn bans by the Florida Forest Service, Orange County, or Orlando Fire Department suspend all open flames. Violations can carry fines and liability for any escaped fire damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves in my Orlando backyard?
Are charcoal grills allowed during a burn ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orlando
How Orlando compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Orlando to another location·View the Florida fire regulations overview
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