Cooking on the Balcony

Gas & Charcoal Grills Can Not Be Used on Balcony’s and are prohibited by Florida Law

Grills & Fire Code Requirements

Cooking on Balconies. The Florida Fire Prevention Code prohibits any cooking on a balcony of an apartment or condominium. This includes but is not limited to charoal, gas, electric and any other grill or cooking equipment.

Storage of L.P. Gas or Gas Grills. The Florida Fire Prevention Code also prohibits the storage or use of L.P. gas in quantities greater than 1 pound above the first floor in any apartment or condominium. Therefore, L.P. gas grills cannot be stored on a balcony. It is important to note that L.P. gas cylinders cannot be stored inside the residential unit or anywhere above the first floor.

The specific code sections are as follows: NFPA 1:10.11.7 For other than one- and two-family dwellings, no hibachi, gas-fired grill, charcoal grill, or other similar devices used for cooking, heating, or any other purpose, shall be used or kindled on any balcony or under any overhanging portion or within 10 ft (3 m) of any structure.

NFPA 1: 69.3.3.9.2 Cylinders having water capacities greater than 2.7 lb (1 kg) [nominal 1 lb (0.5 kg) LP Gas capacity] shall not be located on balconies above the first floor that are attached to a multiple family dwelling of three or more units located one above the other.

Enforcement action will be taken as described below:

  • The local enforcement procedures and penalties for failure to comply with the Florida Fire Prevention Code, or the Uniform Fire Safety Standards, are found in Broward County Local Amendments to the Florida Fire Prevention F-101.4.
  • The ordinance states that violators of the fire code may be prosecuted in the same manner as misdemeanors, and upon conviction they may be punished by a fine not to exceed $500.00 or by imprisonment in the County Jail not to exceed 60 days, or both.
  • The ordinance also states that fire inspectors may issue civil citations to violators. A separate citation may be given for each violation, and each day that a violation continues is a separate offense. If the citation is not contested the penalty is $50.00, plus court costs of $8.00. If a violator chooses to contest the citation and is convicted, the judge may impose a penalty up to $500.00 plus court costs for each violation.

We need to be safe at all times. Protect yourself, your neighbors and the property.

No charcoal, gas or electric grills on your balcony. This prohibition also includes fire pits and any other use of fire or flame devices.

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