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Georgia Open Burning Rules (2026)
Conditional: No GFC permit is required for hand-piled yard debris/natural vegetation (GA Code 12-6-90), but permits ARE required for agricultural & land-clearing burns.
No GFC permit is required for hand-piled yard debris/natural vegetation (GA Code 12-6-90), but permits ARE required for agricultural & land-clearing burns. EPD bans open burning of yard/land-clearing debris May 1–Sept 30 in 54 north/central GA counties.
Official source: gatrees.org →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Open Burning Rules in states bordering Georgia
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- AlabamaRestricted
State law requires a free AFC permit (call 1-800-392-5679) to burn woodland, grass, or debris over 1/4 acre or within 25 ft of woods/grass. Burn only clean vegetation on-site, 500 ft from buildings; start after 8am, no new fuel after 3pm.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: forestry.alabama.gov · Full Alabama rule →
- FloridaConditional
Yard-debris piles 8 ft or smaller (or in a noncombustible container) may be burned without authorization if setbacks are met, no local ordinance prohibits it, lit after 9am ET, and out 1 hr before sunset. Larger, broadcast or land-clearing burns require a Florida Forest Service burn authorization.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: fdacs.gov · Full Florida rule →
- North CarolinaConditional
Only natural vegetation may be burned (never trash/man-made items). Yard-waste and land-clearing burns are allowed 8 a.m.-6 p.m. only. An NC Forest Service burn permit is required for vegetation fires more than 100 ft from a dwelling.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: deq.nc.gov · Full North Carolina rule →
- South CarolinaRestricted
State law requires citizens in unincorporated areas to notify the Forestry Commission before burning outdoor yard/land debris (call 800-777-3473 or submit online). A State Forester's or Governor's burning ban can prohibit it entirely.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: scfc.gov · Full South Carolina rule →
- TennesseeRestricted
From Oct 15–May 15, anyone burning open-air within 500 ft of forest, grassland, or woodland must by law get a free debris-burn permit from the Division of Forestry. Burning without one is a Class C misdemeanor. Container burns with a 1/2-inch mesh screen are exempt; cities may have stricter rules.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →
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