(Brooksville, FL) - In accordance with Hernando County Code Chapter 12 Article VI, Hernando County is instituting an emergency temporary prohibition (Burn Ban) of all outdoor burning effective January 8th, 2026, for all unincorporated areas of Hernando County and the City of Brooksville. Lack of recent rain and forecasts indicate below average rainfall is expected to continue making it highly favorable for brush fires to occur and rapidly spread. The current Keetch-Byram Drought Index for Hernando County on January 8th, 2026, is 606 and rising (Moderate/High drought), which places Hernando County “Very High” in Fire Danger risk according to Florida Forest Service Forecast reports. 

The county-wide Burn Ban prohibits all outdoor burning that has not been specifically permitted by the Florida Forest Service. Bon Fires, campfires, and burning of vegetation (yard) debris is not allowed. The burn ban does not pertain to cooking on attended and monitored barbecue equipment, so long as that equipment is a contained gas or charcoal grill. 

The Florida Department of Agriculture is forecasting below average precipitation as we continue through the driest months. Exception to the burn ban may be granted by the Florida Forest Service after a request for such exception is submitted by the individual requesting authorization and an onsite inspection is made and is determined by the Florida Forest Service representative that such burning can be safely accomplished.

Be mindful that simply tossing a lit cigarette into the grass can easily ignite brush fires that can spread out of control rapidly putting people in danger and threatening homes and businesses.

We appreciate your cooperation to ensure the safety of the community and visitors. The burn ban will continue to be in effect until further notice. 

To report violations of the burn ban, please contact the Hernando County Communications Center at 352-754-6830