Hillsborough County, Fla. (Dec. 15, 2025) - Hillsborough County today decided not to extend the countywide burn ban for the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county. Due to the recent rainfall, an outdoor burn no longer poses a risk to the health, safety, and welfare of County residents.
The current ban expires today at midnight. County officials will continue to monitor the conditions and update residents as needed.
While the burn ban order will not be extended, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue reminds residents to always take steps to prevent fires.
Prevention tips
- Obey the rules that prohibit unauthorized burns
- Avoid activities that cause open flames or sparks
- Properly discard cigarettes, and never throw them out from a vehicle
To help prevent brush fires and wildfires, unauthorized burns are not permitted in unincorporated Hillsborough County, meaning all open burning is prohibited unless an authorization has been obtained. Burning yard waste, tree debris, and household garbage on private property is not allowed because it can lead to an uncontrolled wildfire.
Permits and exceptions
- The Hillsborough County Fire Marshal's Office issues open fire permits for campfires, bonfires, ceremonial fires, and religious fires. There are no fees from the Hillsborough County Fire Marshal's office for an open burning permit.
- The Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) issues open burning permits, such as initial land clearing of vegetation, initial land clearing for mineral operations, clearing of rights-of-way for public highways or roads, and clearing for flood control and water drainage channels.
- The Florida Forest Service can assist with burn authorization for railroad workers and farmers needing agricultural burning.
No permit is required to use a small fire pit, like those sold at home improvement stores. When using a fire pit, these rules should be followed: burn only clean, dry wood, have the pit a minimum of 25 feet from any structure, and only use for keeping warm or cooking.
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