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

Jacksonville adopts the Florida Fire Prevention Code, which incorporates NFPA 1 Uniform Fire Code with Florida amendments. NFPA 1 Sec. 10.11.7 prohibits the use or kindling of hibachis, gas-fired grills, charcoal grills, or similar cooking devices on any balcony, under any overhang, or within 10 feet of any structure other than one- and two-family dwellings. Sec. 10.11.6 prohibits storage or use of LP-gas cylinders larger than 1 pound water capacity above the first floor of any apartment or condominium - effectively banning the standard 20-lb propane tank from upper-floor balconies. Listed electric portable tabletop grills with no more than 200 square inches of cooking surface are permitted. The 10-foot setback applies to all multi-family construction unless the building, balconies, and decks are protected by an automatic fire sprinkler system, in which case Sec. 10.11.7.1 allows kindling on balconies. Single-family and two-family dwellings are entirely exempt - homeowners may grill on porches, patios, and decks without setback. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department enforces these provisions; condo and apartment management routinely incorporate the rules into lease and association documents. Hurricane evacuation protocols may also restrict outdoor LP-gas storage.