Outdoor burning in Tarpon Springs is regulated under Chapter 7 by adopting the Florida Fire Prevention Code and NFPA 1, layered with Florida Forest Service rules. Open burning of yard waste, construction debris, and trash is generally prohibited inside city limits; only small recreational fires and approved cooking fires are allowed.
Chapter 7 of the Tarpon Springs Code adopts the Florida Fire Prevention Code, which prohibits open burning of refuse, land-clearing debris, leaves, and yard waste within municipal boundaries unless an authorization is issued by the Florida Forest Service and the local fire official. Recreational fires under 3 feet, cooking fires in approved appliances, and ceremonial fires meeting NFPA 1 setbacks are allowed. The Authority Having Jurisdiction (Tarpon Springs Fire Rescue) may suspend all outdoor burning during drought, high wind, or county-issued burn bans. State law (FS 590) and Florida Forest Service rules also apply to any agricultural or silvicultural burning near city limits.
Unauthorized burning is a code violation under Chapter 7 and may also trigger Florida Forest Service citations; offenders can be billed for fire-suppression response and held liable for damages.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle outdoor burning.
See how Tarpon Springs's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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