Propane and charcoal grills are legal for home use in Polk County. Even during a countywide burn ban, cooking fires contained in a barbecue grill or pit with a fuel area under 3 feet diameter and 2 feet high remain allowed. Apartment-balcony grilling is restricted by fire code.
Backyard barbecuing with propane or charcoal is permitted for detached single-family homes in Polk County. Crucially, the county burn ban (Ordinance 08-015) exempts non-commercial cooking fires 'contained in a barbecue grill or barbecue pit' with a total fuel area not exceeding 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height — so you can still grill during a ban. The Florida Fire Prevention Code (NFPA 1) restricts LP-gas and charcoal grills on the balconies or within 10 feet of multi-family/apartment buildings unless the building is fully sprinklered. Store the propane cylinder outdoors, upright, and away from ignition sources; never use a grill indoors or in a garage.
Unsafe grilling that breaches the fire code is enforced by Polk County Fire Rescue / fire marshal. Grilling that exceeds the burn-ban size exemption violates Ordinance 08-015 (up to $500 fine or 60 days jail).
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