Hey, Curious 305, when it gets really cold in South Florida, can I light a campfire?
Editor’s Note: This article was inspired by a question submitted from a Miami Herald reader on Instagram through Curious305, our community-powered reporting series that solicits questions from readers about Miami-Dade, Broward, the Florida Keys and the rest of the Sunshine State. Submit your question here or scroll down to fill out our form.
Hey, Curious305: Where can I have a campfire?
We South Floridians got a jarring taste of winter in January. Iguanas fell out of trees. Coffeemakers went into overdrive.
Since we lack proper warm clothing and barely know how to turn on the heat, many of us were figuring out ways to thaw out.
When it turns cold in Miami, and we mean under 60 degrees, a lucky few have their own cozy fireplaces at home or a fancy fire pit in the yard. But the recent crazy cold temperatures got us thinking: Could you strike up a random campfire to sit around in a public place like a beach or park for a s’mores party?
The answer is no.
According to Miami-Dade County Code of Ordinances - Chapter 26 , Rule 8 – Park and Recreation Department Rules and Regulations: Open fires are generally not permitted at Miami-Dade parks.
“The exception is at a designated, rented barbecue,” says Laura Phillips, spokeswoman for the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Department. “Park patrons are not allowed to build a fire near any park building, structure, tree or plant near the property. These same rules apply for our parks with public beaches.”
A few parks also have so-called fire rings designated by the Florida Park Service, but you’ll need to call ahead before the visit because individual local spots have their own rules.
Some Florida beaches allow you to bring your own fire pit or have designated fire pits on site. You can strike up the blaze in the evenings only, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Again, you will need to check with the destination before you go. No type of fires at all are allowed around turtle nesting season, which is March through October, so the marshmallow-roasting window is closing fast.
Prefer the drama of a raging bonfire for a celebration, festival or party? For such a large, open-air fire, you’ll need a pre-approved inspection of the designated site plus a permit, which costs roughly $111 a day. Call 786-331-4800 or go to Miamidade.gov/fire for more info.
Remember: Once your fire is stoked, make sure it’s attended at all times” and “completely extinguished” before leaving the premises or you’ll face a possible fine.
