Burning Ban

There have been about 1,500 wildfires in the first three months of 2026, and the state is on track to surpass the last two years' records. The busiest part of the fire season is April, May and June.

Several Florida counties, including Sarasota and Manatee, are under burn bans as more than 70% of the state experiences unusually dry conditions.

Continued drought in the county has prompted Sarasota to enact a burn ban.

Outdoor grilling is allowed as long as it's attended and flames are contained within the grill, officials said.

The Charlotte County Commission has imposed a ban on all outdoor burning, including the use and discharge of fireworks and sparklers.

It automatically went into effect as dry conditions persist across much of southwest Florida.