Jacksonville's wildfire risk is managed through the Florida Fire Prevention Code (8th Edition, 2023) as adopted locally under Jax Ord. Code Title XII. While Jacksonville does not have designated wildfire severity zones comparable to western states, the city enforces brush clearance and vegetation management requirements through Ch. 518 (Property Safety and Maintenance) and the Florida Forest Service's wildfire prevention programs. Properties in wooded areas of western Duval County are at higher risk.
Jacksonville's wildfire zone regulations apply to properties in designated wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas where development meets wildfire-prone vegetation. Properties in these zones must maintain 100 feet of defensible space divided into two zones: Zone 1 (0–30 feet) requires lean, clean, and green landscaping with no combustible materials; Zone 2 (30–100 feet) requires reduced fuel loads and spacing between trees and shrubs. New construction and major remodels in WUI areas must use Class A fire-rated roofing, non-combustible siding within 5 feet of grade, enclosed eaves, and tempered glass windows. The tropical/subtropical climate and winter/spring fire season in Southeast directly influence risk levels and enforcement intensity. Annual inspections occur before peak fire season.
Failure to maintain defensible space: 14-day notice, then $500–$2,500 fines plus city abatement costs. Non-compliant construction: stop-work orders and mandatory upgrades. WUI building violations: $1,000–$5,000.
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