Current Status
IN EFFECT
The countywide burn ban remains in effect until formally lifted by Manatee County Board of County Commissioners.
This page will be updated immediately when the burn ban is lifted.
What is Prohibited
While the burn ban is in effect, the following activities are not allowed:
- Yard waste burning
- Land clearing or pile burning
- Bonfires and campfires
- Outdoor fire pits
- Burning construction debris
- Fireworks and sparklers
- Any open, unattended flame outdoors
What is Allowed
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?
There is no predetermined end date.
The burn ban will remain in place until:
- 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 the Burn Ban was Issued
Dry vegetation, low humidity and wind create conditions where fires can spread rapidly.
The burn ban is a temporary public safety measure to:
- 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)