Lee County, FL Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Home grill rule
- None set in county code
- Burn ban trigger
- Declared emergency, KBDI 600 or higher
- Ban covers
- Campfires, bonfires, trash burning, incineration
- In county parks
- Fires only in designated fireplaces or grills
- Propane tanks
- Up to 2,001 gallons, Fire Official approval
Summary
Lee County's code does not set a separate rule for backyard gas or charcoal grills. What it does regulate is fire during a declared drought emergency, fires in county parks, and permitting for larger propane tanks.
The county's ordinance bans "outdoor burning ignition sources," including campfires, bonfires and trash burning. Grills for food are not included.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 12, Article II only bites when the Board of County Commissioners declares a state of local emergency. Section 12-20(a) then prohibits outdoor burning ignition sources, "which includes campfires, bonfires, trash burning and other similar open incineration" - a list that does not name cooking grills. In county parks, Section 20-23(c) bars igniting a fire against or on vegetation or park structures except in designated fireplaces or grills, and Section 20-27 requires picnickers to fully extinguish the grill before leaving. Propane or LNG tanks up to 2,001 gallons capacity, incidental to a permitted use, are exempt from a development order under Section 10-101(3) if the County Fire Official approves.
Violations & Fines
Violating the emergency burn article is punishable as provided in F.S. § 125.69(1) under Section 12-23, and the officer must seize the ignition source. Lighting a fire in a park outside a designated fireplace or grill violates Section 20-23(c).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill during a Lee County burn ban?
Can I use a propane grill on my apartment balcony?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lee County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Lee County to another location·View the Florida outdoor cooking overview
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