Are Gas Fire Pits Legal in Miami, Florida?

The Rules, Regulations and Certifications Required for Fire Pits in Miami, FL

Miami is a city known for its vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches and warm weather, making gas fire pits the perfect addition to the Miami lifestyle. Gas, propane and wood burning fire pits are legal in Miami, but not without certain rules and regulations. Therefore, it’s important to know what they are before incorporating them into your home or business.

Legal Certification Standards for Fire Pits:

Quality is not just important to the visual appeal of a modern fire pit but it also determines how well it functions, and how safe it is. However, without a legal standard for this, how can we ensure that the product is of good quality? Well, certification from The American National Standards Institute, (or ANSI certification) is required for all fire pits within the US. This applies to fire features on public and private property, residentially and commercially It is also important to note if a fire pit has CSA certification, as it indicates a product has been tested and certified by a reputable organisation. At Solus, it is extremely important to us that our products not only look beautiful, but are also safe. Therefore, all of our fire pits are certified to ANSI, CSA, CE & UKCA standards, meeting NA, UK & EU regulations.

Wood Burning Fire Pits vs Gas a Propane Fire Pits:

Modern gas and propane fire pits are currently the most popular option in North America, largely due to their aesthetic appeal and safety in comparison to wood burning fire features. In recent years, burn bans have been implemented due to concerns over air quality and forest fires. However, recreational fires in Miami are still permitted if they are within an approved container (such as a fire pit), any open fires however require a permit. Equally, if you are concerned about flying embers and smoke gas and propane fire pits are the way to go.

Although wood burning fire pits typically produce more heat, are more portable and less expensive, they are not without their drawbacks. Flying embers, smoke that stings your eyes and leaves a strong scent on your clothes or in your hair are all common concerns. These are our clients’ primary complaints when they come to us looking for a clean-burning fire feature. According to Florida Fire Prevention Code, fire pits must not produce smoke that is a nuisance to nearby residents and complaints could render your fire pit unusable. For this reason, gas and propane fire pits avoid this issue with a clean-burning flame. Furthermore, Solus’ concrete fire pits allow heat output and flame height to be controlled with a simple skeleton key, making them a more personalised and safer appliance.

Nonetheless, installing a gas fire pit does require some preparation, as they have to be connected to a natural gas line that should run under your deck or patio. Once installed however, fuel supply isn’t a worry and there are no unsightly pipes or hoses. Propane fire pits also require a connection to a propane tank which guidelines suggest should be stored outdoors, in a well ventilated area. This may seem like a hassle that you would rather avoid, but finding firewood storage, wet firewood and maintenance of a wood burning fire pit will require more time and cleaning long-term. 

To summarise, gas and propane fire pits are perfectly legal in Miami, FL and are a modern and clean-burning alternative to your classic wood burning fire pit. Virtually smoke free, safer, and easy to maintain, we believe that they are the best alternative for those that want to make the most of their outdoor space and keep toasty this winter.