Jacksonville Beach, FL Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)

Section 10-4.01(c) is the rule that decides whether a resident of an apartment, condo or other multifamily building in Jacksonville Beach can light a grill outside. It applies to every building other than one- and two-family dwellings. For those buildings, no hibachi grill of any type, or similar device used for cooking, heating, or other purpose, can be used or kindled in three places: on any balcony, under any overhang portion of a structure, or within ten (10) feet of any structure. The wording covers heating as well as cooking, so a charcoal brazier or similar open-flame device is caught along with a grill.

The code leaves one door open for gas. Listed electric, LP gas, or natural gas operated equipment is permitted when it is permanently installed in accordance with its listing, applicable codes, and manufacturer instructions. For LP or natural gas, the supply must be piped in to the appliance, and the fire official must approve it. A portable grill fed by a loose propane cylinder does not fit that description, because the exception is written around permanently installed equipment with piped fuel.

One- and two-family dwellings sit under a different subsection. Subsection (d) allows charcoal, gas or electric barbecue grills there, provided they are used in accordance with their listing, applicable codes, recommended fuel, and the manufacturer's instructions, and not around combustible material.

On the beach, subsection (g) bars open fires, campfires, grills, and other cooking or heating devices outright. The fire official named in these subsections works under Chapter 10, Fire and Life Safety, and the Fire Marshal's office handles interpretation questions.