Have A Bonfire on The Beach in Florida

Photo by Clayton Holmes

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Bonfires and summer just seem to go together. Read more to find out how to have an unforgettable experience as the sun goes down on one of your favorite Florida beaches.

Florida beach bonfires are a popular activity in the summer months. It is a great way to spend time with friends, family, and loved ones. Florida beach bonfires are easy to organize on quite a few beaches, with a little planning. It is important to follow safety precautions, protect the wildlife (sea turtle nests), and understand Florida laws.

Where to Have A Bonfire on the Beach

You may be thinking...isn't Florida hot enough? But what's better than a bonfire, some close friends and a sunset? Maybe add in a glass of wine? There are quite a few beaches that allow bonfires in Florida. Some require permits, others require reservations. You can choose an Atlantic ocean beach, a Gulf coast beach or one in the Florida Panhandle. Let’s explore where you can go to enjoy this timeless experience on the Florida coast.

Bonfire Packages Make It Easy

Bonfires at the beach 30A

​There are companies that will provide a complete bonfire experience with a package. So easy! They provide the beach permit, wood, fire pit setup and cleanup, S’mores and roasting sticks, and other snacks. They may also bring blankets and pillows, beach chairs, and music. A fire pit attendant will make sure the entire experience is taken care of from start to finish. South Walton beaches in the Florida Panhandle have a variety of companies that provide beach bonfire packages along Highway 30A. This can be a great group or corporate event experience. 

DIY Bonfire on the Beach

Florida beach bonfires are a great way to spend time on the beach in an unforgettable way. The following beaches allow bonfires on the beach but there may be restrictions such as time of year, locations, equipment etc. Always check the county website before taking action!

• Stuart and Jensen Beach in Martin County (permit required).
• Satellite Beach and Cocoa Beach in Brevard County (permit required).
• Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, and New Smyrna Beach in Volusia County (no permit necessary).
• Amelia Island Beaches but not city beaches such as Fernandina Beach.
• Miramar Beach and Santa Rosa Beach in Walton County (permit required).
• Panama City Beach in Bay County (permit required).
• Cape San Blas in Gulf County (no permit necessary).

Clearwater Beach is part of Pinellas County along with St. Pete Beach. Bonfires are prohibited on all beaches in Pinellas County.

Make sure that you have all the necessary ingredients for a safe and successful bonfire:

• Wood: Use unprocessed wood only. Do not use wood from old furniture or wood that has nails in it.
• Bonfire Ring or pit: Make a reservation in advance for a ring - it is free in Volusia County.
• Charcoal: For grilling on the beach if allowed.

A very important point is to dispose of your bonfire debris in the correct manner. If using charcoal to grill, beach visitors must take the charcoal with them and properly dispose of it OFF the beachfront. Charcoal cannot be disposed of in any beach trash containers. Do not put charcoal in the sand! Trash and unburned wood must also be removed.

All of the county beaches are very strict about clean-up. They will check for violations and ask for more cleanup if necessary. They can even prevent violators from being allowed to have another bonfire in the future. So take care to have your bonfire in the safest and cleanest manner on the beach you love. Everyone will have a great time that makes memories forever.

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