Florida Open Burning Authorization Requirements

Section 590.125, Florida Statutes, places open burning under the jurisdiction of the Florida Forest Service (FFS). Burning of yard waste piles is permitted without an authorization only when the pile is small (less than 8 feet in diameter), set back from structures and roads, and attended at all times. Larger piles, broadcast burns, and pile burns of more than two piles require an FFS authorization, which may be denied during drought or high fire-danger conditions. Burning household garbage, tires, or treated wood is prohibited statewide.

Conducting unauthorized open burning is a second-degree misdemeanor under Section 590.28, with civil penalties up to $10,000 plus suppression costs if fire escapes.