Outdoor Burning Information – Liberty Fire District

Outdoor burning in Florida is regulated by state law and enforced locally. The Florida Forest Service administers outdoor burning and forest fire laws. Before burning outdoors, you must follow all applicable requirements to protect public safety and avoid legal penalties.

Contact for Burn Authorization

📞 (850) 373-1801 – District 2 Chipola Forestry Center
This office handles outdoor burning authorizations for Walton County and surrounding areas.

Before You Burn – Important Tips

• Clear the ground down to bare soil around your burn area to prevent fire spread.
• Meet all required setback distances.
• Only burn yard waste — no household garbage, plastics, or treated materials.
• Do not burn on windy days.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Keep a water hose or shovel ready in case the fire escapes.
• Ensure smoke does not block visibility on nearby roads.
• Contact the Florida Forest Service to confirm it is legal to burn in your area on the day you plan to burn.

Types of Burning & What’s Allowed

1. Yard Waste Burning (No Authorization Required)

You do not need a burn authorization if all of the following are true:

• The pile is 8 feet or less in diameter or in a noncombustible container.
• The material is yard waste generated on your property.
• You meet required setback distances.

“Yard waste” includes grass clippings, brush, leaves, tree limbs, palm fronds, and similar vegetative debris.

know-the-law-before-burning-outdoors.pdf

 

2. Burns That Do Require Authorization

Authorization from the Florida Forest Service is required before burning:

• Agricultural debris
• Silvicultural (forest management) debris
• Land clearing debris
• Pile burning > 8 feet in diameter
• Any other non-exempt open burning activity

To request authorization, contact the District 2 Chipola Forestry Center at (850) 373-1801.

know-the-law-land-clearing-debris-burns-english-version.pdf

 

Setback & Timing Requirements

Even when a burn authorization is not required, you must follow setback and timing rules found in Florida law and administrative code:

✔ Burn must be ignited after 9 a.m. Eastern Time and have no visible flame one hour before sunset.
✔ Maintain safe distances from buildings, roads, and wildland vegetation (as required by state or local rules).

These requirements help ensure safety and minimize smoke impacts.

Materials You Cannot Burn

It is illegal to burn:

• Household garbage or paper products
• Plastics, rubber, tires
• Treated wood
• Paint cans or aerosol containers
• Pesticides or chemical wastes

Improper burning can lead to air quality violations, fines, or criminal charges.

Burn Bans & Fire Danger

State or local authorities may impose burn bans due to dry conditions or elevated fire risk. During a burn ban, almost all outdoor burning may be prohibited — even yard waste burning. Always check current burn conditions before planning any burn.

If a Fire Gets Out of Control

If your burn escapes containment or becomes a hazard:

➡ Call 911 immediately.

You may be liable for suppression costs, property damage, and legal penalties if your burn causes a wildfire or uncontrolled fire.