Lake County, FL Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Lake 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-authorization pile size
- 8-foot diameter maximum
- Setback from wildlands/structures
- 25 feet
- Setback from public road
- 50 feet
- Setback from occupied building
- 150 feet
- Hours
- After 9 a.m. to 1 hr before sunset
Summary
You may burn yard waste in an 8-foot pile without a Florida Forest Service authorization if you meet setbacks and no local ban is active. Piles over 8 feet need FFS authorization. During a Lake County drought burn ban, all debris burning is prohibited.
You may burn yard waste without authorization as long as: You meet the required setbacks... The yard waste was generated on your property and it will fit in an 8-foot diameter pile or non-combustible container, and The fire is ignited after 9 a.m. eastern time... and is extinguished one hour before sunset.
Full Breakdown
Florida Forest Service rules let you burn yard waste (leaves, brush, grass, palm fronds, limbs) without an authorization as long as it fits in an 8-foot-diameter pile or noncombustible container, was generated on your property, and you meet setbacks: 25 feet from wildlands, brush, or combustible structures; 50 feet from paved public roads; and 150 feet from any occupied building you don't own. Ignite after 9 a.m. EST and extinguish one hour before sunset. Piles larger than 8 feet require an FFS authorization and suppression equipment. Never burn household garbage, treated lumber, plastics, rubber, or tires. Lake County is served by the Withlacoochee Forestry Center. A countywide burn ban suspends all debris burning.
Violations & Fines
Burning during a ban or without required authorization is unlawful; if a fire escapes, you may be liable for suppression costs and property damage. FFS and county officials enforce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to burn yard debris?
What can't I burn?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lake County
How Lake County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Lake County to another location·View the Florida fire regulations overview
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