EPC of Hillsborough County, FL
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Open Burning Allowances
The open burning of residential yard waste, tree cutting debris, household garbage, and trash is not permitted in Hillsborough County, as specified in Chapter 1-10, Rules of the EPC. Open burning is generally allowed for residential burning of vegetative debris and untreated wood in contained fires or campfires specifically for the purposes of noncommercial cooking, heating or recreational use and does not require an authorization. Burning may also be allowed for bonfires and ceremonial or religious purposes with an authorization obtained by the Hillsborough County Fire Marshall Office. Agricultural burning is allowed with an authorization issued by Florida Forest Service. Open burning for land clearing activities may be allowed with an EPC authorization.
EPC Open Burn Authorizations
An EPC open burn authorization may be requested for the following land clearing activities:
- Initial clearing of vegetation for commercial or residential development
- Initial clearing for mineral operations
- Rights-of-way for public highways or roads
- Flood control and water drainage channels
If burning is to occur within a municipality, please additionally apply for the correct burn permit from the appropriate Fire Marshall’s Office.
Minimum setbacks and other limitations are required in order to qualify for an authorization. For additional information or clarification regarding your project or authorizations, please see our Open Burning FAQ section and our informational guide, or contact a member of our Air Division staff at (813) 627-2600.
Fees and Payments
Applications for authorization by EPC are reviewed after submittal of an application and payment of the application fee:
- $300 for initial clearing of vegetation for residential, commercial and industrial development, or
- $300 for every 3 months for initial land clearing for mineral operations.
EPC staff will conduct an on-site inspection before issuing the approved authorization.
Submit Online Application with e-Pay
- Application for pile burning (PB75 - Open Burning without ACI)
- Application for an air curtain incinerator (ACI65 - Open Burning with ACI)
- Application for mining (PBM85 - Open Burning w/o ACI for Mineral Operations)
Permit Tracking
To view the status of your open burn application you can search our Permit Application System.
Florida Forest Services Authorization
Florida Forest Service (FFS) issues open burning authorizations for prescribed burns for habitat/ecosystem management and restoration (e.g. exotics control), silvicultural operations, range improvement, maintenance operation of agricultural land use for the grazing of animals, and initial land clearing for agriculture or other agricultural purposes. For more information, contact FFS at 863-940-6701 or visit the FFS website.
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