Bay County, FL – Residents in Bay County are now under a mandatory burn ban as of Tuesday, following an emergency order enacted due to increasingly dry conditions and heightened wildfire risk.
According to Bay County Emergency Services, the ordinance prohibits all outdoor burning, including lawn, debris, and trash fires. The sale or use of fireworks and the improper disposal of smoking materials are also banned. Officials stressed that any activity capable of producing sparks or flames is considered a violation. Charcoal and gas grills for cooking are still permitted.
The Bay County Commission adopted the measure on May 6, 2025, under Ordinance 25-16. The ban will remain in effect for all unincorporated areas of Bay County until further notice. Officials noted that the area has experienced prolonged dry weather without significant rainfall, increasing the likelihood of fires.
Violators of the ban could face penalties of up to $500 in fines or jail time of up to 60 days for each offense. In addition, repeat or severe violations may result in civil action for abatement and damages.
The National Weather Service in Tallahassee also urged residents across the Florida Panhandle to delay any nonessential burning, even outside of designated ban areas, until conditions improve.
Residents with questions about the ban are encouraged to contact Bay County officials directly.
