Burn Permits and BBQs

Outdoor Fire Burning Policy

Three types of authorized fires are permitted within the city limits of St. Cloud.

Barbecue Fires

When a person burns and maintains a fire in a barbecue grill or pit designed and constructed for the preparation of food and for that purpose only, NO permit is required.

BBQ GRILL STORAGE RESTRICTIONS

  • According to Florida Fire Prevention Code
  • For other than one- and two- family dwellings, no hibachi, grill, or other similar devices used for cooking, heating, or any other purpose shall be used or kindled on any balcony, under any overhanging portion, or within 10 ft. (3 m) of any structure.
  • For other than one- and two-family dwellings, no hibachi, grill, or other similar devices used for cooking shall be stored on a balcony

Outdoor Fireplace

When a person burns and maintains a fire in a manufactured outdoor fireplace in accordance with the requirements below, NO permit is required.

  • A source for extinguishing the fire must be near the unit while in use.
  • Any fire deemed a nuisance or a hazard by St. Cloud Fire Rescue must be extinguished immediately.
  • Only seasoned firewood or commercial logs are to be burned; no rubbish, refuse, or yard waste.
  • The unit must be assembled and operated as specified by the manufacturer.
  • The unit must be attended by an adult at all times.
  • The unit must be placed on a non-combustible surface, no closer than 10’ to any structure and 6’ from combustibles.

Burn Permits

Burn permits are issued by the Florida Forest Service for land-clearing operations only and permits shall at all times be kept on the premises designated for the burn. “Land-clearing operation” means the uprooting of vegetation in connection with the construction for buildings, right-of-way, residential, commercial or industrial development, or the initial clearing of vegetation to enhance property value; but does not include the maintenance burning of yard trash resulting from fallen limbs, branches, leaves or other routine property clean-up activities. The open burning of tires, rubber material, oil, asphalt, roofing material, tar, railroad cross ties, other creosote lumber, plastics, garbage, trash, yard clippings, household paper products, building materials and building demolition materials is prohibited.  

If burning takes place without a permit, the applicant may be charged with all costs associated with extinguishment of the unpermitted burn.

Please follow the links below for more information:

Burn Authorization Information- Florida Forest Service
Prescribed Burning Authorization Steps- Florida Forest Service