Duval County Fire Pit & Outdoor Fireplace Rules

What Jacksonville's rules say about backyard fire pits and outdoor fireplaces, and how to design a fire feature that fits them.

A fire pit or outdoor fireplace is one of the most-loved parts of a Florida backyard. Before you build one in Duval County, it helps to know the local rules on recreational fires, bonfires and burn bans. This guide summarizes them in plain language and explains how AY Luxury Designs designs fire features with the rules, and your HOA, in mind.

AY Luxury Designs LLC · Certified Building Contractor CBC1268168 · Amany Youssef: Registered Building Contractor RB29003947 · Registered Electrical Contractor ER13016631 · Registered Underground Utility & Excavation Contractor RU11066663

Book a Consultation · Call (904) 629-8803

The Basics in Duval County

Recreational fires are allowed with limits. The Jacksonville Municipal Code prohibits outdoor burning without a permit, but small recreational fires, like a backyard fire pit or outdoor fireplace, are allowed when they're attended and not producing excessive smoke.
Bonfires need a permit. Fires larger than 3 feet in diameter are treated as bonfires. They need a permit from the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and must be kept 50 feet from structures.
Burn bans. The Fire Chief can ban outdoor burning when conditions are dry, and that includes fire pits. Check before you light up.
No burning yard waste. Burning yard waste is not allowed under local environmental rules.
Smoke and neighbors. Excessive smoke can be enforced as a nuisance, so placement and fuel matter.

Rules change, so check the City of Jacksonville and JFRD for the current rules before you build or burn. Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach may have their own rules.

NFPA advises never adding lighter fluid or any other flammable liquid to a fire that's already burning.

Before leaving a fire, NFPA advises dousing it with water and making sure the area is cool to the touch.

Designing a Fire Feature That Fits the Rules

Placement. We place fire pits, fire tables and fireplaces with clearance from the house, structures, trees and property lines, and plan seating around them.
Wood or gas. Gas fire features avoid most smoke concerns. Gas connections are made by our licensed gas trade partners.
Under a roof. Fireplaces and linear fire features under a gazebo or covered patio are designed and permitted as part of the structure.
Your HOA. Many associations review fire features for placement too. We include them in your HOA package.

Why AY Luxury Designs

You design it with the founder. Amany Youssef designs every project with you in person and stays involved through the final walkthrough.
We manage every step, from design to final inspection. We handle the AutoCAD design, the HOA paperwork, the engineering, the permits and the build. We handle electrical work with our licensed electrical partner, and gas and plumbing with our licensed trade partners.
Built for Florida. Every permitted structure gets its necessary engineered documents.
A Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite.

Our Design-Build Process

Design session with Amany. Your project starts at our Jacksonville design studio, where you sit down with founder Amany Youssef and watch your fire feature take shape live on screen in AutoCAD.
Free AutoCAD design and a custom quote. You get to-scale 3D renderings and a fully itemized custom quote within 24 hours of your consultation, so you know exactly what you're getting.
In-home design visit. Amany comes to your home for an in-person walkthrough, so we look at the project together where you're most comfortable, finalize the details and choose your colors and finishes.
Engineering, HOA and permits handled. We get the necessary engineered documents for every permitted structure, prepare your HOA/ARB package and pull the City of Jacksonville permits.
Build. We can start most projects within two to four weeks. Our crews follow a build process we've refined over many projects, and you get daily updates.
The AY Advantage. You hold back the final 5% for seven days after completion, so we can take care of any touch-ups before you sign off.

Financing is available through Synchrony Bank, including 18 months of no-interest financing, and we have other financing options as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the fire pit rules in Duval County? Fire features have local rules for placement and use, and burning can be restricted when conditions are dry. We design with your county's rules and your HOA guidelines in mind and permit what needs permitting.

Can I have a fire pit in my backyard in Jacksonville? Generally, yes. Small, attended recreational fires are allowed, but burn bans and nuisance rules apply. Check current City of Jacksonville and JFRD rules, and your HOA's guidelines.

Do I need a permit for a fire pit in Jacksonville? A small recreational fire doesn't need a burn permit, but a built-in gas fire pit or fireplace usually involves permitted gas, and sometimes electrical, work. We handle the permits for the fire features we build.

How far does a fire pit need to be from my house? It depends on the type of fire feature and the manufacturer's and code requirements. We design the clearances into your plan so it's safe and permittable.

Is a gas fire pit better than wood-burning? Gas is cleaner, starts instantly and avoids most smoke concerns; wood gives a classic crackle. We'll help you choose based on how you'll use it.

Ready to Design Your Fire Feature?

Book your in-person design session with Amany and see your project in AutoCAD before anything is built.

Call (904) 629-8803 or book a consultation. Design studio: 8917 Western Way, Suite 7, Jacksonville, FL 32256 · Monday–Friday, 10am–5pm