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

Orlando enforces fire-prevention rules through Orlando Fire Department and the Fire Marshal under City Code Chapter 24 and the Florida Fire Prevention Code (FFPC). The FFPC, adopted statewide by the State Fire Marshal under FL Statute §633.202, incorporates NFPA 1 and the National Fire Codes with Florida amendments and aligns with IFC §308.1.4 prohibitions. Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices may not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction at apartments, condominiums, and similar multi-family residences. LP-gas (propane) containers larger than 1 pound are similarly restricted. Exceptions apply where the building is fully sprinklered with NFPA 13 systems or the device is electric only. For single-family detached homes there is no city restriction on backyard charcoal, propane, or natural-gas grilling. During Orange County or Florida Forest Service burn bans declared under FL §590.125 during drought (Keetch-Byram Drought Index threshold conditions), commercially manufactured grills used for food preparation remain permitted; open burning of yard waste, brush, or trash is prohibited. Multi-family complexes throughout Orlando — including Lake Nona apartments, Downtown high-rises, College Park condos, and theme park area resort condos near International Drive — enforce the balcony restriction strictly to satisfy insurance and FFPC compliance.