Wildfires in Florida

Why Wildfire Awareness Matters in Florida

While Florida is best known for hurricanes, wildfire risk is also a seasonal concern during the drier months, with peak conditions often occurring April through June, when lower humidity and limited rainfall dry out vegetation.

Wildfire Activity in Florida: What Recent Data Shows

Wildfires are a regular part of Florida’s landscape, but recent data shows activity has been increasing.

According to a Tampa Bay Times report (April 13, 2026), based on Florida Forest Service data, wildfire activity has varied since 2021, with stronger activity in recent years than in some prior periods.

In the first three months of 2026 alone, more than 1,400 wildfires were reported statewide. By comparison, Florida recorded just over 3,150 wildfires in all of 2025.

While many of these fires are small and quickly contained, the frequency reinforces an important point: wildfire awareness in Florida is part of seasonal preparedness—not a rare concern. For additional context, the National Interagency Fire Center tracks wildfire trends across the country.

How to Check Wildfire Conditions Near You

Florida residents have access to real-time tools that make it easy to understand current fire conditions and local risk levels.

Current Wildfire Activity

• Active wildfire activity
• Live wildfire and county-enacted burn ban map

Fire Conditions and Dryness Levels

• Fire Danger Index (how likely fires are to start and spread)
• Keetch-Byram Drought Index (how dry the soil and vegetation are):

Simple Steps to Help Reduce Wildfire Risk

Wildfire prevention doesn’t require major changes. Most steps are simple, routine maintenance that can make a meaningful difference—especially during peak dry months.

Guidance from the National Fire Protection Association and Florida’s Be Wildfire Ready program highlights a few key areas homeowners can focus on:

Around Your Home

• Keep a cleared space around your home by removing dry or dead vegetation
• Trim trees and shrubs, especially those close to structures
• Clear leaves and debris from roofs and gutters

Day-to-Day Habits

• Be cautious when using equipment that can create sparks
• Avoid outdoor burning during dry or windy conditions
• Follow local burn bans and advisories

Stay Informed During Dry Seasons

Local fire departments and emergency management offices provide the most up-to-date alerts during periods of elevated fire risk.

You can find your local fire department through the U.S. Fire Administration registry, and access Florida-specific emergency management resources through the Florida Division of Emergency Management county directory.

For timely updates, many agencies also post alerts on official social media channels—especially Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), where urgent information is often shared first.

Have a Wildfire Evacuation Plan

Preparedness matters just as much as prevention.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides a Wildfire Evacuation Plan to help homeowners understand what to do before, during, and after an evacuation.

Tip: Take a home inventory before you leave. Use photos or videos to document your possessions, room by room. This can make the claims process much smoother if you need it later. For a simple way to do this, see our home inventory guide for hurricane preparedness.

Where Insurance Fits In

Most standard homeowners insurance policies include coverage for fire damage, including wildfires.

What matters most is making sure your coverage reflects your home as it stands today—especially as rebuilding costs and materials continue to change.

If it’s been a while since you’ve reviewed your policy, it may be a good time to review it with your agent. If you’re a Security First Insurance customer, you can contact our Customer Support team at 877-333-9992 for help reviewing your policy or with questions about your coverage.

The Bottom Line

Wildfires are part of Florida’s seasonal risk landscape.

Staying aware of local conditions, maintaining your home, and taking a few simple preventative steps can go a long way toward reducing risk and improving readiness when dry conditions arrive.