Burn Permits

Do I need a burn authorization (burn permit)?

Yes, you may need a burn authorization depending on your location and other parameters.

Activities that Require a Burn Authorization

  • Agricultural burning
  • Silvicultural burning
  • Land clearing
  • Pile burning
  • Acreage burning
  • Large pile burns (greater than 8 feet in diameter)

Activities that Do Not Require a Burn Authorization

  • Yard waste may be burned without prior authorization only if the following guidelines apply:
  • Yard waste includes leaves, shrub trimmings, grass clippings, brush and palm fronds. Land clearing or tree cutting debris or household paper products are not considered yard waste.
  • You have checked with your local fire department or Florida Forest Service to ensure there are no statewide bans on open burning.
  • You meet the set-backs as required: 25 feet from forests, 50 feet from paved public roads, 25 feet from your house and 150 feet from other occupied buildings.
  • Fire is contained in a non-combustible container or in a pile less than 8 feet in diameter and on the ground which has been cleared of combustible material.
  • Fire is started after 9:00 a.m. EST and extinguished one hour prior to sunset.
  • Adequate fire extinguishing equipment is available at all times.
  • Fire is attended at all times.
  • Smoke is not a hazard or nuisance.

Cooking Fires

If not contained in a portable or fixed grill, the fire must meet these requirements:

  • Area must be cleared to bare soil 2 feet greater than the cooking area.
  • Cooking area can be no larger than 4 feet in diameter, 4 feet in height and must be contained by blocks or grates or other similar non-combustible material on as lease 3 sides.
  • Occupied structures and tress shall be greater than 10 feet away.
  • Adequate extinguishing equipment (garden hose) must be present.

Who do I call for a burn authorization?

The Florida Forest Service has jurisdiction to issue burn authorizations. For burns not meeting the above requirements, a burn permit can be obtained from the Florida Forest Service by calling (239) 690-8001.

Questions?

Both North Collier Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service are available to answer your questions.

Florida Forest Service
(239) 690-8000 (Administration)
(239) 690-8001 (Report Wildfires or Request Burn Authorizations)

North Collier Fire Rescue
(239) 597-9227

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