Short answer: Every beach bonfire in Walton County needs a one-night permit from the South Walton Fire District. In 2026 it costs $105 for a propane fire or $157 for a wood fire when you apply online. Fires can start at 5 PM from March through October (4 PM November through February) and everything must be off the beach by midnight (11 PM in winter).
This guide sums up the county and fire district rules as of October 2, 2026, with links to the official sources at the bottom. Rules change, so check with the South Walton Fire District before your night. If you book with us, we handle the permit and the rules for you.
Do you need a permit for a beach bonfire in Walton County?
Yes. Every beach bonfire in South Walton needs a permit from the South Walton Fire District (SWFD), including small propane fire pits. A temporary permit covers one night, and SWFD does not refund permits or give rain checks. A fire without a permit can bring a $500 fine.
If you hire a permitted bonfire vendor, the vendor buys the permit for your night. Gulf-front property owners can register for an annual permit instead.
2026 bonfire permit fees
| Fire type | SWFD fee | County fee | Total in person | Total online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Propane | $50 | $50 | $100 | $105 |
| Wood | $50 | $100 | $150 | $157 |
The extra online amount is a card processing fee. You can apply through the SWFD bonfire permit request form, by phone at 850-267-1307, or by email at [email protected], Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM.
What time can you have a beach bonfire?
| Season | Earliest setup | Everything off the beach by |
|---|---|---|
| March 1 to October 31 | 5:00 PM | Midnight |
| November 1 to end of February | 4:00 PM | 11:00 PM |
Daytime fires are not allowed. The person who holds the permit must be 18 or older and stay with the fire the whole time.
Where can you have a bonfire on 30A?
Fires must keep these distances under the county beach ordinance:
| Keep the fire at least | From |
|---|---|
| 50 feet | Dunes, the vegetation line, plants, vehicles, roads and structures |
| 100 feet | Homes and other habitable buildings |
| 200 feet | Any marked sea turtle nest |
| 30 feet | Another permitted bonfire |
Not every beach access allows fires. Walton County publishes a beach access chart that marks which accesses allow bonfires, which allow none, and which allow only private fires with no vendor setups. On a private beach you need the owner’s written permission. State parks such as Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve follow state park rules and close at sunset.
Propane vs. wood: equipment rules
| Rule | Propane fire | Wood fire |
|---|---|---|
| Fire pit | UL- or CSA-listed unit no more than 3 feet across | Steel pit with a steel bottom; open rings are not allowed |
| Height off the sand | At least 4 inches | At least 4 inches |
| Fuel | 20 lb tank maximum, hose at least 5 feet | Clean firewood only, no treated lumber, nails or trash |
| Extinguisher | Tagged 5 lb ABC extinguisher on site | Tagged 5 lb ABC extinguisher on site |
| Cleanup | Turn off and remove | Put out with water and carry ashes off the beach |
For any fire: no lighter fluid or gasoline, no charcoal grills, no cooking attachments like grates, griddles or tripods, and no more than six tiki torches. Never bury coals or ashes in the sand or leave them in county trash stations. Leave the beach clean, dark and flat, and fill any holes.
Can you have a bonfire during sea turtle season?
Yes. Sea turtle nesting season in Walton County runs May 1 through October 31. Fires are allowed during the season but must stay at least 200 feet from any marked nest. The county asks visitors to skip flashlights, lanterns and torches on the beach at night so hatchlings head to the water, not to the light.
What happens during a burn ban?
The county can declare a burn ban during dry, high-fire-danger stretches. A ban is reviewed weekly and lifts after seven straight days of lower risk. The May 26, 2026 burn ban ordinance exempts permitted propane-only beach bonfires, but the county’s burn ban web page still lists all bonfires as prohibited during a ban, so confirm with SWFD before your night. SWFD can also cancel permits for wind or weather.
How many people can come?
A bonfire permit covers fewer than 30 people. Groups of 30 or more need a Walton County special event permit, which can be requested up to 12 months ahead.
Other beach rules to know
- No glass or ceramic containers on the beach.
- Music can’t be heard 75 feet or more from where it’s playing.
- Dogs are allowed on county beaches only with a county dog permit, which is limited to residents and property owners.
- Personal items can’t stay on the beach overnight, from one hour after sunset to one hour after sunrise.
- Breaking the beach rules can bring fines of up to $500 per violation.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a beach bonfire permit in Walton County in 2026?
$105 online for a propane fire and $157 online for a wood fire. In person it is $100 for propane and $150 for wood.
Can I have a bonfire on any 30A beach?
No. Some beach accesses don’t allow bonfires, and some allow only private fires, not vendor setups. Check the county beach access chart, keep the required distances from dunes and buildings, and get the owner’s written permission on a private beach.
Are propane fire pits allowed on South Walton beaches?
Yes, with a permit. The unit must be UL- or CSA-listed, no more than 3 feet across, at least 4 inches off the sand and run on a tank of 20 pounds or less.
Can you roast s’mores over a beach bonfire?
The rules ban cooking attachments such as grates, griddles and tripods. They don’t say anything specific about roasting sticks, so ask SWFD if s’mores matter for your night.
Do I need a permit if I hire a bonfire company?
The company gets the permit for your night, as long as it is a permitted Walton County beach bonfire vendor.
Sources
- South Walton Fire District: Beach Bonfires
- SWFD Bonfire Permit Request
- Walton County: Bonfire Rules and Permits
- Walton County Ordinance 2025-22, Waterways and Beach Activities
- Walton County: Burn Ban
- Walton County Beach Access Chart (July 15, 2026)
Last checked October 2, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Skip the paperwork
We handle the permit, the propane fire, setup and cleanup at public beach accesses along 30A.