Palm Coast, FL Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Three layers of regulation apply. First, the Florida Fire Prevention Code (FFPC), 8th Edition, adopted under FS § 633.202 effective December 31, 2023 (incorporating NFPA 1, 2021), permits recreational fires up to 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high with a 25-foot clearance to structures, and bonfires of larger size only with permit from the AHJ (Palm Coast Fire Department under Chapter 25 of the City Code). Second, FAC Chapter 5I-2 (Florida Forest Service - Open Burning) and FS Chapter 590 govern wildland and pile burning: FAC 5I-2.004 (Open Burning Not Allowed) prohibits burning of household garbage, tires, plastics, treated lumber, rubber, paint, and other hazardous or polluting materials. FAC 5I-2.006 (Open Burning Allowed) permits yard-waste pile burning only with Florida Forest Service authorization and only when specific setback, KBDI, and weather conditions are met. The Florida Forest Service has exclusive statutory authority to issue pile burning permits and may delegate that authority to municipalities only if local procedures comply with state law. Third, Section 25-52 of the Palm Coast Code historically gave the city fire marshal authority to issue pile burning permits with local conditions on number of days. According to the Palm Coast Fire Department in September 2024, the prior city ordinance was drafted in a way that's noncompliant with state statute. A revised ordinance brought before City Council on September 10 (workshop) and September 17, 2024 (first reading) removes the city fire marshal's authority to issue pile burning permits and surrenders that authority to the Florida Forest Service. Under the revised framework, activities now prohibited without a Florida Forest Service permit include ceremonial fires, commercial land clearing operations, and campfires. Activities still permitted without permits include outdoor fireplaces, kilns, and ovens; outdoor cooking fires; and warming fires at work sites when the temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The October 1, 2024 ordinance was tabled at Council member Theresa Pontieri's request and the city attorney was directed to draft a request for an Attorney General opinion. Flagler County, under Chapter 12, Flagler County Code, and FS § 252.38(3), is authorized to declare a state of local emergency for durations of seven days and extend them in seven-day intervals; during burn bans the county prohibits open burning including the use of fire pits and containers and the use of outdoor cookers and grills unless continuously attended by an adult. Burn bans have been declared multiple times, including June 5-12, 2024 and April 23 through May 14, 2025.