Lee County, FL Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- County smoker permit
- None stated in the code
- Burn ban trigger
- Declared emergency plus KBDI 600
- Sources named
- Campfires, bonfires, trash burning
- Emergency duration
- Seven days, extendable in increments
- Smoke nuisance rule
- LDC Sec. 34-624(1)
Summary
Lee County's code sets no permit or standard for a backyard smoker. Its only outdoor-fire rule is the drought emergency burn ban, and that ban names campfires, bonfires and trash burning rather than cooking equipment.
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; it is suspended at all other times. When in force, Sec. 12-20(a) prohibits outdoor burning ignition sources, described as campfires, bonfires, trash burning and other similar open incineration, once the mean Keetch-Byram Drought Index reaches or exceeds 600 and the County Manager recommends suspension. Cooking grills and smokers are not named in that list, and the ordinance text spells out no cooking exemption either. Smoke that becomes offensive to neighbors is reachable under LDC Sec. 34-624(1).
Violations & Fines
A burn-ban violation is punishable as provided in F.S. Sec. 125.69(1), and an officer issuing a notice to appear or making an arrest must seize the ignition source used. Nuisance smoke is enforced under LDC Sec. 34-624.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run my smoker during a burn ban in Lee County?
Could a neighbor complain about my smoker's smoke?
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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