According to the Florida Legislature: "(1) It is unlawful for any individual or group of individuals to build a warming fire, bonfire or campfire and leave it unattended or unextinguished. (2) Anyone who violates this section commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083."
Punishment can be 60 days or less in prison, or a fine of $500.
Before going camping, be sure to check if there are any fire bans in the area. Visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Wildland Fire and Fire Prevention website here (http://www.fl-dof.com/wildfire/) for county ban updates, as well as general fire safety information.
Pour lots of water on the fire, until the hissing sound stops and all the embers stop glowing. Stir the ashes and embers with a nonflammable object, such as a metal shovel, and scrape off any remaining embers from the logs and sticks.
If you do not have water, use enough dirt or sand to mix with the embers and stir until it is cool to the touch. Do not simply bury the fire with dirt, as the fire can continue to smolder and burn roots underground, gradually surfacing and starting a forest fire.
