Current Status
LIFTED
The countywide burn ban expired at 11:59 p.m. on March 20, 2026.
Although wildfire risk has decreased, residents are encouraged to continue using caution and follow Florida Forest Service guidelines when burning.
What Residents Should Know
With the burn ban lifted:
- Outdoor burning may resume in accordance with Florida Forest Service regulations
- Burn permits may be required depending on activity
- Local weather and environmental conditions can still impact fire risk
Residents should always burn responsibly and remain aware of current conditions.
What is Allowed
The burn ban has been lifted as of March 20, 2026.
The following activities are permitted:
- Outdoor cookers or grills, provided they are attended at all times by a responsible adult while in use
- Agricultural, silvicultural, or land-clearing burns authorized by the Florida Forest Service, with sufficient suppression equipment and personnel on site
- Properly permitted public fireworks displays with adequate fire-suppression equipment and personnel on site
- Marine flares discharged over the Gulf when used for lawful purposes
If you are unsure whether an activity is allowed, contact Manatee County Emergency Management at 941-749-3500 or call 311.
When Will the Burn Ban be Lifted?
The burn ban has been lifted as of March 20, 2026.
The burn ban is determined by:
- The Keetch-Byram Drough Index (KBDI) falls below critical levels
- Rainfall reduces wildfire risk
- Fire Districts determine conditions are safe
- The Board of County Commissioner votes to lift the ban
Residents should monitor this page for official updates.
Why Burn Bans are Issued
The burn ban has been lifted as of March 20, 2026.
Burn bans are implemented during periods of increased wildfire risk.
Dry vegetation, low humidity and wind create conditions where fires can spread rapidly.
These measures help:
- Protect lives and property
- Reduce the risk of wildfires
- Preserve natural resources
- Prevent strain on emergency services
Yard Waste Disposal Alternatives
Residents are encouraged to:
- Use curbside yard waste collection
- Take debris to approved disposal sites such as Lena Rd. Landfill
- Mulch or compost vegetation
Additional Resources
Florida Division of Emergency Management
National Weather Service of Tampa Bay
Regional Wildfire Coverage
The following news reports provide context on recent brush wildfire incidents in our region, and it demonstrates how quickly fires can spread under dry conditions.
Feb. 22, 2026 - Mobile home destroyed in Homosassa fire: CCFR (Tampa Bay 28)
Feb. 17, 2026 – Highlands County burn ban extended as drought conditions continue (WFLA)
Feb. 17, 2026 – All Tampa Bay-area counties are under a burn ban: What to know (WTSP)
Feb. 17, 2026 - As drought conditions raise the fire risk, experts share ways to protect your home (Fox 13)
Feb. 16, 2026 – Bartow teacher accused of starting 5-acre fire, violating Polk County burn ban (Fox 13)
Feb. 16, 2026 - Crews battle more than 30 brush fires in Polk County over the weekend (ABC7)
Feb. 16, 2026 – Tampa Bay firefighters share toll of working brush fires this season (Tampa Bay 28)
Feb. 16, 2026 – Officials urge fire safety after dozens of brush fires erupt across Polk County (WFLA)
Feb. 16, 2026 - ‘The worst I’ve seen yet’: Tampa Bay fire officials speak on historic drought season (WFLA)
Feb. 15, 2026 – More than 30 brush fires ignite across Polk County on Sunday (WFLA)
Feb. 13, 2026 - Sarasota County firefighters urge preparedness amid drought conditions (WFLA)
Feb. 7, 2026 - Saturday brush fires threaten structures Sarasota County (ABC7)