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Collier County, FL Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Risk areas
Golden Gate Estates, Big Cypress
RFMUD clearing
Within 200 feet of structures
LDC section
3.05.07.C.4
New RFMU developments
Wildfire mitigation plan required
Coordinated with
Florida Forest Service

Summary

Collier County sits in a high wildfire-risk region. Golden Gate Estates, Picayune Strand, and Big Cypress. The Land Development Code requires wildfire mitigation planning in the Rural Fringe Mixed Use District and allows brush clearing within 200 feet of structures to cut fuel.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Collier County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

For properties within the RFMUD, a general exception is included in the LDC for smaller non-conforming lots within the RFMUD to allow for clearing of brush and understory vegetation within 200 feet of structures to minimize wildfire fuel sources.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Much of unincorporated Collier is wildland-urban interface. Golden Gate Estates and areas bordering Picayune Strand State Forest and Big Cypress see recurring wildfires. Under the LDC, 'For properties within the RFMUD, a general exception is included in the LDC for smaller non-conforming lots... to allow for clearing of brush and understory vegetation within 200 feet of structures to minimize wildfire fuel sources' (LDC 3.05.07.C.4). The county's Growth Management Plan requires new developments in RFMU Receiving lands to prepare a wildfire prevention and mitigation plan coordinated with the Florida Forest Service. Firewise practices, defensible space, fuel reduction, are strongly encouraged countywide.

Violations & Fines

Failing to prepare a required wildfire mitigation plan for RFMU developments, or clearing beyond LDC allowances, is enforced through the development-review and code-enforcement process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my Collier County property in a wildfire zone?
Much of unincorporated Collier, especially Golden Gate Estates and lands near Big Cypress and Picayune Strand, is wildland-urban interface at elevated wildfire risk.
Do wildfire rules require mitigation planning?
Yes. New developments in RFMU Receiving lands must prepare a wildfire prevention and mitigation plan coordinated with the Florida Forest Service.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Collier County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSignificant RestrictionsFire Pits & Backyard FiresLight RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsBrush ClearanceSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSignificant RestrictionsFireworksSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Store RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Bird ProtectionHeavy Restrictions

All Collier County rules

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