Fort Myers, FL Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Restricted devices
- Hibachis, grills, similar cooking devices
- Minimum clearance
- 10 feet from any structure
- Exempt
- One- and two-family dwellings only
- Not exempt
- Single-family attached homes (townhomes)
- Citation authority
- Fort Myers Code § 1-14
Summary
In Fort Myers apartments and condos, propane grills, hibachis and similar cooking devices can't be used on balconies, under overhangs, or within 10 feet of any structure: a rule aimed at multifamily buildings, not single-family homes.
Other than one- and two-family dwellings (excluding single-family attached), no hibachi, grill, or other similar devices used for cooking, heating, or any other purpose shall be used or kindled on any balcony, under any overhanging portion, or within ten feet of any structure.(e)Burning hours shall be approved by the fire marshal or designee.(f)A site plan showing the exact location of the fire as well as the distances to any surrounding buildings or other exposures such as vegetation shall be submitted with the original request.(g)Failure to comply with any part of this section shall result in a citation being issued in accordance with the section 1-14. (Ord. No. 3640, § 9, 9-17-2012)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 60).
Full Breakdown
Fort Myers's fire code, adopted under Chapter 40, bars hibachis, grills or any similar cooking or heating device from being used or kindled on a balcony, under an overhanging portion of a building, or within ten feet of any structure. The ban applies citywide except at one- and two-family dwellings (single-family attached homes are excluded from that exemption, so they're covered by the ban too). The fire marshal enforces the rule as part of the outdoor-fires article covering open flames, recreational fires and cooking fires in Lee County's county-seat city.
Violations & Fines
Violating the outdoor-fires article triggers a citation under Sec. 1-14; unresolved citations go to the county court or the city's code enforcement board, with fines and penalties for confirmed violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a propane grill on my apartment balcony in Fort Myers?
Does the balcony grill ban apply to single-family houses?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Myers
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Fort Myers to another location·View the Florida outdoor cooking overview
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