Tampa, FL Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Tampa, 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
- Prohibition
- Open burning of trash and yard debris is prohibited within Tampa city limits
- Note
- FL Stat 590.125 governs authorizations outside incorporated areas (FDACS)
- Note
- Florida Forest Service issues county burn bans during drought (high KBDI)
- Note
- Yard waste goes curbside with Tampa Solid Waste, not in burn piles
- Note
- Land-clearing burns require FDACS + fire marshal approval (rarely granted)
Summary
Open burning of yard waste is heavily restricted in Tampa. Inside city limits, residential open burning of trash, leaves, and land-clearing debris is generally prohibited: yard debris must go curbside for city pickup. Florida Statute 590.125 and Florida Forest Service (FDACS) rules govern any allowed burning statewide, and Hillsborough County frequently falls under burn bans during dry spells.
590.125 Open burning authorized by the Florida Forest Service. — [...] (2) 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; 6. The Florida Forest Service does not cancel the authorization; and 7. The Florida Forest Service determines that air quality and fire danger are favorable for safe burning. [...] (d) A person who broadcast burns or pile burns in a manner that violates this subsection commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. [...] (6) FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE APPROVAL OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT OPEN BURNING AUTHORIZATION PROGRAMS. — (a) A county or municipality may exercise the authority of the Florida Forest Service, if delegated by the Florida Forest Service under this subsection, to issue authorizations for the burning of yard trash or debris from land-clearing operations.
Full Breakdown
Tampa's urbanized, densely populated character means open burning of household trash and yard debris is effectively prohibited within city limits under Chapter 14 (Fire Prevention Code) and state air-quality rules. The Florida Forest Service administers FL Stat 590.125, which requires burn authorizations for most outdoor fires outside municipalities, but city residents cannot rely on this, city ordinances take precedence inside Tampa. Recreational fires (small cooking/warming fires in approved pits or chimineas) are generally allowed if contained, attended, and not creating a nuisance, see backyard-fires for specifics. Land-clearing fires for developers require FDACS authorization plus local fire-marshal approval and are rarely granted in Tampa proper. During drought conditions (high KBDI), the state or county may issue burn bans that supersede any local allowances. Violations can trigger Code Enforcement fines and Tampa Fire Rescue response costs. Yard waste, palm fronds, leaves, grass clippings, storm debris, must be bagged or bundled for weekly curbside collection by Tampa Solid Waste, not burned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves in my backyard in Tampa?
How do I know if there's a current burn ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tampa
How Tampa compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Tampa to another location·View the Florida fire regulations overview
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