Seminole County, FL Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Keetch-Byram Drought Index at 500 or higher
- Activated by
- Executive Order signed by BCC Chairman
- Renewal
- Continues in seven-day increments
- Lifted when
- Index below 500 for 7 straight days
- Enforcement
- Fire Marshals and Law Enforcement
- Penalty
- Up to 60 days jail or $500 fine
Summary
Seminole County bans all open burning countywide once the Keetch-Byram Drought Index reaches 500 or higher. The Board of County Commissioners Chairman activates the ban by Executive Order under Section 85.24, it renews in seven-day increments while conditions stay dry, and Fire Marshals and Law Enforcement enforce it with fines up to $500.
(a)When dry weather conditions result in a Keetch Byran Drought Index reading at 500 or higher, a prohibition on all open burning in Seminole County, as defined in Section 85.26 of this Code, will take effect upon the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners signing an Executive Order. The burn ban will not apply to burning done by, or under the direct supervision of, authorized County or municipal personnel or with the authorization of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Forest Services.(b)The burn ban prohibition will continue to be in effect in seven (7) day increments for as long as the Keetch Byran Drought Index is at or above 500, unless rescinded as provided in this Section.(f)Seminole County Fire Marshals and Law Enforcement are authorized to enforce the Burn Ban.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 1 | Land Development Code: Supplement 2).
Full Breakdown
The Board of County Commissioners created the Burn Ban Implementation Procedures in Chapter 85, Part 3 to give the county an orderly way to stop outside burning once dry weather sharply raises wildfire risk. 26. The ban is not permanent once activated: it automatically continues in seven-day increments for as long as the Index stays at or above 500, and lifts only after the Index has stayed below 500 for at least seven consecutive days, or the Chairman finds weather conditions allow an earlier rescission.
If the Chairman is unavailable, the Chief Administrator of Emergency Management can rescind the order, notifying the Chairman and County Manager. Two carve-outs exist: burning by or under direct supervision of authorized county or municipal personnel, and burning authorized by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Forest Service. 26 extends the ban into incorporated municipalities within the county except where a municipality has its own conflicting ordinance on the same subject. 25 requires the Public Information Office to announce every activation or lifting through a press release, social media, and the County website, so residents can check current status before lighting any outdoor fire.
Violations & Fines
Violating an active burn ban under Section 85.24 is punishable under Section 85.27 in accordance with Florida Statutes Section 125.69: up to 60 days in jail, a fine up to $500, or both. Seminole County Fire Marshals and Law Enforcement officers enforce the ban directly. Unlike the county's Fire Alarm citation program, the burn-ban penalty runs through the criminal court process rather than a civil citation track.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggers a burn ban in Seminole County?
How long does a Seminole County burn ban last?
Are any fires allowed during a Seminole County burn ban?
What happens if I burn during an active ban?
Does the burn ban apply inside Sanford or other cities?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Seminole County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Seminole County to another location·View the Florida fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.