Ocala, FL Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules (2026)

Ocala's outdoor cooking rules in the Code of Ordinances are confined to Recreation and Parks Department property. Sec. 46-251(a) allows picnic lunches and cooking only in areas park management specifically designates or that the director separately authorizes. Sec. 46-251(b) bars anyone from building, lighting, or causing to be lighted any fire on the ground or on any object anywhere in a park except in an approved grill, stove, fireplace or other suitable container the director has approved, and requires anyone who starts a fire to fully extinguish it before leaving.

Sec. 46-251(c) makes it unlawful to use a grill or other cooking device in a way that burns, chars, mars or blemishes a park bench, table or other city property. Sec. 46-252 gives park staff authority to regulate use of picnic areas, fireplaces, tables and benches on a first-come, first-served basis when facilities are crowded, unless the director grants a specific permit. Separately, Sec. 46-213(g)(1)c lists cooking over an open flame or fire out-of-doors as one of the factors establishing an unlawful camping violation on park property.

None of these sections regulate backyard grills, smokers or fire pits on private residential lots; the Code of Ordinances contains no citywide smoker or grill-distance rule outside park property. Recreation and Parks Department staff and the Ocala Police Department enforce Chapter 46 park regulations.